The Venice Commission is aware of the terrorist threat in the South-Eastern part of Turkey. Such a threat may justify unusual measures, including the removal of elected officials, who might use their office to favour terrorist activities. Any such measures must, however, respect the relevant legal provisions, be based on evidence and be proportionate to the aim pursued. This aim can in the Commission’s view never justify simply replacing the elected candidates by candidates who have lost the election and it is notable that one of the dissenting opinions to the SEC decisions contended that fresh elections should be held.