Voters in Turkiye returned to the polls Sunday to decide whether the country's longtime leader stretches his increasingly authoritarian rule into a third decade, or is unseated by a challenger who has promised to restore a more democratic society.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been at Turkiye's helm for 20 years, is favoured to win a new five-year term in the second-round runoff, after coming just short of an outright victory in the first round on May 14.
Turkiye does not have exit polls, but the preliminary results are expected to come within hours of the polls closing at 5 p.m. Critics blame Erdogan's unconventional economic policies for skyrocketing inflation that has fuelled a cost-of-living crisis. Many also faulted his government for a slow response to the earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people in Turkiye.
If he wins, Erdogan, 69, could remain in power until 2028. Erdogan is already Turkiye's longest-serving leader. He occupies a powerful presidency that is largely his own creation, following three stints as prime minister. A devout Muslim, he heads the conservative and religious Justice and Development Party, or AKP.
Earlier in the week, Erdogan received the endorsement of the third-place candidate, nationalist politician Sinan Ogan, who garnered 5.2 per cent of the votes and is no longer in the race. Meanwhile, a staunchly anti-migrant party that had supported Ogan's candidacy, announced it would back Kilicdaroglu.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Turkey’s Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu make final voter appeals ahead of Sunday’s runoff electionA first round of voting on May 14 showed Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan with a lead over the opposition’s Kemal Kilicdaroglu
Read more »
Turkish election: Voters choose between Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu in presidential runoffPresident Recep Tayyip Erdogan is favored to win the second-round runoff. Preliminary results are expected to come within hours of the polls closing at 5 p.m.
Read more »
Smith, Notley hope to sway a few more voters with Alberta election days awayAlberta’s main election rivals are staying busy in the final days of the campaign
Read more »
Sunday triathlon will lead to some closures at Elk LakeThe event is expected to bring about 3,000 participants, volunteers and spectators to the area.
Read more »