In a high-stakes political showdown, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan finds himself locked in a fierce battle against a unified opposition as the country prepares for crucial elections on Sunday. The main contender challenging Erdogan’s two-decade rule, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, stood before a massive crowd of supporters, flanked by a diverse coalition of political allies who have set aside their differences to present a formidable challenge.
Amidst a rain-soaked Ankara, Kilicdaroglu passionately pledged to restore “peace and democracy” in Turkey, resonating with an electorate weary of Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian grip on power. The campaign has been dominated by two critical issues: the struggling economy plagued by rampant inflation and the devastating double earthquakes that struck the nation in February.
As the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Kilicdaroglu has managed to surge ahead in opinion polls, igniting hope among his supporters that he may secure an outright victory on Sunday, bypassing the need for a runoff. Kilicdaroglu’s final campaign event saw him pay tribute to Ataturk, the revered founder of modern secular Turkey, at his mausoleum in Ankara, symbolizing a commitment to the nation’s founding principles.
Meanwhile, President Erdogan, undeterred by the opposition’s momentum, led evening prayers at Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia mosque, a site that holds both religious and political significance. Controversially, Erdogan delivered a political speech at the mosque, which had previously been converted from a museum to a mosque during his tenure, in a move criticized by many as eroding the country’s secular traditions.
When asked about the possibility of losing power, Erdogan dismissed the notion as absurd but emphasized his commitment to democracy, stating that his government would respect the will of the people. The opposition’s unity, particularly the convergence of conservative and nationalist factions with the center-left CHP, has caught the attention of voters like Firat, one of five million first-time voters. The six-party alliance, operating under the slogan “Haydi” (Come on!), has sought to appeal to a broad base of voters.
The electoral race has reached a boiling point, with tensions running high. Kilicdaroglu, aware of the risks, donned a bullet-proof vest during his final rally in Ankara. Moreover, Muharrem Ince, one of the presidential candidates, withdrew from the race, citing targeted disinformation campaigns against him on social media. While he accused Russia of involvement, the Kremlin denied any interference.
Erdogan’s strategy has relied on visible infrastructure projects and economic growth, particularly targeting conservative and nationalist Turks who form his primary support base. He has also used rhetoric that excludes the LGBT community, emphasizing the sanctity of the traditional family unit. To secure power, Erdogan depends on alliances with smaller parties, notably the nationalist MHP, as Turkey’s political system requires a party to secure 7% of the national vote or form a coalition to enter parliament.
The outcome of these elections will determine not only Turkey’s future leadership but also its democratic trajectory and the protection of citizens’ rights. Young voters, in particular, are looking for a more inclusive and transparent political environment. As more than 64 million people prepare to cast their votes, the country stands at a critical crossroads. If no candidate secures over 50% of the vote in the first round, a runoff between the top two contenders will take place on May 28, prolonging the fierce battle for power in Turkey.