ISTANBUL: Millions of voters in Turkey are casting ballots in the presidential and parliamentary elections on Sunday, which is widely regarded as the most challenging test for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has held the country’s leadership for the past 20 years.
Erdogan’s grip on power has been shaken due to the country’s struggling economy, and his opponents have capitalized on public concerns, pledging to improve the situation.
However, Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) still enjoy significant support from nationalist and religious conservative segments, particularly in Turkey’s Anatolian heartland, who fear an opposition victory could lead to a return to a perceived era of oppression.
Presidential and parliamentary elections are held concurrently every five years. This year, the elections were initially scheduled for June 18 but were moved forward to May 14.
In July 2018, Turkey transitioned from a parliamentary system to a presidential one. Under the new system, the president is elected directly by the voters, and the position of prime minister has been abolished.
To win the presidency, a candidate must secure more than half of the total votes. If no candidate reaches the 50 percent threshold, the top two contenders will participate in a runoff election two weeks later.
Additionally, voters will elect 600 members of the Grand National Assembly, the Turkish parliament, through a proportional representation system, by selecting a party list in their respective districts.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, 69
The incumbent is running as the candidate for the People’s Alliance, a coalition between his AK Party and several right-wing parties. Erdogan served as prime minister for 11 years before becoming president in 2014. Despite leading Turkey’s economic and institutional transformation, his popularity has declined due to the country’s economic challenges.
Promises: Continuation of the presidential system, lower interest rates, and a strong, independent Turkey with regional influence.
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, 74
Erdogan’s primary challenger and the candidate for the Nation Alliance, a coalition of six opposition parties. Kilicdaroglu identifies as a “democrat” and has focused on anti-corruption rhetoric. Critics argue that his leadership of the center-left Republican People’s Party (CHP) has been marked by multiple electoral defeats.
Promises: Return to a “strong parliamentary system,” resolving the Kurdish issue, repatriating Syrian refugees, and strengthening ties with the European Union and the United States.
Muharrem Ince, 59
The candidate for the Homeland Party, running without alliance support. However, on Thursday, he announced his withdrawal from the race, potentially boosting Erdogan’s main rival.
Sinan Ogan, 55
The candidate of the nationalist Ancestral Alliance (ATA), comprising three parties. Ogan has an academic background in international finance development. As a former member of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), an ally of the AK Party, he has been accused of espousing xenophobic and far-right policies, particularly regarding Syrian refugees.
Promises: Repatriating refugees and supporting the unity of Turkic states.
Key Election Issues:
Economy: The struggling economy and high inflation have caused concerns among voters.
Earthquakes: Recent devastating earthquakes in southeast Turkey have led to widespread destruction and reconstruction efforts.
Brain drain: The emigration of educated and skilled individuals from Turkey has raised concerns about the country’s future prospects.
Values and identity: Debates surrounding religious and cultural identity, particularly regarding the hijab,
