Turkish Parliament sets new general elections for July 22

Turkey’s parliament today approved July 22 as the date for new general elections, which were called as a way out of a government crisis sparked by a dispute over political Islam.

The Ankara Parliament, dominated by members of the Islamic-rooted ruling party, approved the date despite objection from the secular opposition, which argued the polls would be held at a period when many Turks would be away from their homes and unable to vote.