Kiliçdaroglu aims to remove the Turkish president from power thanks to multiparty support and growing dissatisfaction with increased social repression. However, Erdogan has lost support, but much less than expected. The ultra-nationalist vote will be key.
the president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğanand the opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu They will star in a second round of the presidential election on May 28 after none of them garnered more than 50% of the vote in Sunday’s election.
As confirmed by the Supreme Electoral Council, Erdogan has garnered 49.51% of the vote, while Kiliçdaroglu – backed by a six-party coalition – has won 44.89% of the vote. Participation is around 89%.
Erdogan less weak than expected
Erdogan is seeking a third term amid opposition complaints that the decision is unconstitutional. With a view to the second round on May 28, he starts with a 2.5 million vote lead over Kiliçdaroglu. Despite united opposition, the wear and tear of recent years and a galloping economic crisis, it has lost support, but much less than expected.
Economic crisis and loss of rights
In Erdogan’s 20 years in power, Turkey has become a major player in international politics, but at the same time freedoms and rights have deteriorated and the economic situation has worsened.
Kiliçdaroglu, leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), is seeking to remove the president from power thanks to multi-party support and growing dissatisfaction with increased social repression and the economic crisis, exacerbated by high inflation. In addition, the earthquakes in February, which killed more than 50,000, damaged Erdogan’s image.
The ultra-nationalist mood
The fate of the nearly 3 million votes cast by the third candidate in the running, the ultra-nationalist Sinan Ogan (who won 5% of the vote), will have a major influence on the result on May 28. The until recently unknown second-class politician has a strong anti-immigrant message and has declared that he will only support a candidate who guarantees the outlawing of the HDP, the left-wing party that defends the rights of the Kurdish minority. Their votes are more likely to end up with Erdogan’s coalition.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
