Turkish voters have given strong backing to a package of constitutional changes. With nearly all votes in the referendum counted, about 58 per cent have voted "Yes" to amending the constitution.The opposition argues that the governing party, which has its roots in political Islam, is seeking dangerous levels of control over the judiciary. They accused the ruling AKP party of trying to seize control of the judiciary as part of a back-door Islamist coup. The government says it wants to bring the constitution more in line with European Union standards. The strong "Yes" vote is expected to boost Prime Minister Mr Erdogan's government. His Justice and Development Party (AKP) will be seeking a third consecutive term in office in a general election due to take place before July 2011. The European Union has welcomed Turkey's constitutional referendum as a step in the right direction which will help Turkey meet the criteria of EU membership. The German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle said, the reforms were critical to Turkey's application. In Washington, the White House called the results a demonstration of vibrancy of Turkey's democracy. The Turkish Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan, who heads a Government with roots in political Islam said, his country has passed a historic milestone. But, the opposition repeated allegations that the Government wants to control the judiciary.