The referendum was viewed by many as a vote of confidence in the prime minister, who has faced criticism for his domineering leadership style, as well as a renewed challenge by the main opposition party in parliament, the Republican People's Party (CHP).
Referandum, pek çok kimse tarafından, otoriter tavrı nedeniyle eleştirilen başbakana güven oyu ve ayrıca parlamentodaki ana muhalefet partisi olan Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP) için bir sınav olarak görülüyordu.