U.S. State Department said on Thursday it had concerns about Turkey's ability to hold free and fair elections given the ongoing state of emergency.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday called snap elections in Turkey for June 24, bringing the polls forward by over a year-and-a-half.
"During a state of emergency, it would be difficult to hold a completely free, fair and transparent election in a manner that's consistent with ... Turkish law and also Turkey's international obligations," spokesperson Heather Nauert told a briefing, noting Turkey has been under a state of emergency for nearly two years.
Turkish parliament approved on Wednesday the extension for another three months of the state of emergency declared in the wake of the failed putsch in 2016 against Erdoğan.
"We have concerns about their ability to hold it during this type of state of emergency," Nauert said.
