Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has won a third term, defeating his rival Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in a contentious run-off election. With nearly all votes counted, Erdoğan secured approximately 52.1% of the vote, while Kılıçdaroğlu received 47.9%. This victory follows an intense campaign during which Erdoğan faced significant challenges, including a cost of living crisis and a strong opposition. In his victory speech, Erdoğan pledged to continue advancing Turkey’s democracy and development. The election was seen as a referendum on Turkey’s future, coinciding with the centennial of the country’s founding by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
However, Erdoğan faces economic pressures, with the Turkish lira hitting a record low and the country’s foreign exchange reserves declining. Critics warn that another term under Erdoğan could erode democracy and human rights further, as he has consolidated power through an executive presidency. The president also took a firm stance on foreign policy, opposing Sweden’s accession to NATO and accusing his opponents of aligning with terrorists and the West. Erdoğan’s campaign emphasized family values, the fight against terrorism, and Turkey’s global influence. He launched personal attacks against Kılıçdaroğlu throughout the campaign.
Erdoğan’s support in Turkey’s Anatolian heartland played a crucial role in his victory, as he surpassed expectations in the first round of voting. Despite high inflation and criticism of the government’s response to a recent earthquake, the opposition was unable to secure a majority. Kılıçdaroğlu aimed to revive the economy by reversing Erdoğan’s policies and returning Turkey to a parliamentary democracy. However, he faced setbacks when a prominent nationalist candidate backed Erdoğan. Kılıçdaroğlu vowed to continue fighting for true democracy in Turkey.
International election observers noted that the first-round vote was generally free but criticized the campaigns for lacking fairness. Erdoğan utilized state resources, offering incentives such as free gas and internet for students, while the government-affiliated media provided extensive coverage of his events. In his victory speech, Erdoğan vowed to keep Selahattin Demirtas, a Kurdish politician, imprisoned despite a binding ruling from the European Court of Human Rights calling for his release. Erdoğan dismissed the ruling, asserting that Demirtas’ freedom was not possible under his rule.
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