Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan held his last election rallies in Istanbul, accusing the opposition of working with US President Joe Biden to topple him while making a final appeal ahead of the biggest challenge to his 20-year rule
Polls show Erdogan trailing the main opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu a day ahead of one of thein Turkey's modern history. However, if neither of them win more than 50% of the vote and secure an outright win, the vote will go to a runoff on May 28.
One of his talking points has been that the opposition is receiving orders from the West, and that they will bow down to Western nations' wishes if elected. "Biden gave the order to topple Erdogan, I know this. All my people know this," said Erdogan, 69. "If that is the case, then the ballots tomorrow will give a response to Biden too," he added.
Erdogan also criticised Kilicdaroglu for his comments on Russia, calling Moscow an important partner for Turkey. "Russia has been one of our most important allies regarding agriculture products," he said.Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan holds a present for supporters ahead of the May 14 presidential and parliamentary elections, in Istanbul, Turkey May 13, 2023. REUTERS/Dylan MartinezTurkey's Western allies have been irked by closer ties between Ankara and Moscow under Erdogan.
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