“Erdogan Holds Leading Position in MHP’s May 28 Statement”
Turkey Holds Presidential and Parliamentary Elections
Turkey held its presidential and parliamentary elections on Sunday, June 24. The elections were described as a critical test for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who, if re-elected, will have expanded his powers. The vote pitted Erdogan and his ruling AK Party against a profusion of challengers, including Muharrem Ince of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), Meral Aksener of the new nationalist Good Party, Selahattin Demirtas of the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP), and Temel Karamollaoglu of the Islamist Felicity Party (SP).
As per unofficial results, Erdogan won 52.5% of the national vote and his AK Party won the most seats in the parliament, with 44% of popular support. Muharrem Ince, the main opposition candidate, trailed with 30.7% of the vote while Meral Aksener of the newly-formed Iyi (Good) Party received 7.3% and Selahattin Demirtas of the pro-Kurdish HDP received 8.4%. More than 191 thousand ballot boxes were set up in 973 districts and 1094 district election boards across the country.
MHP Deputy Chairman Semih Yalcin acknowledged Erdogan’s lead and said that it is clear that he will win in the second round, to be held on July 8, and become the 13th president of Turkey. The opposition, on the other hand, complained about the unequal treatment they received on the campaign trail as well as incidents of possible vote tampering.
The elections came at a time of economic uncertainty, with inflation soaring and state coffers emptying. Erdogan has promised to implement his economic plans, which include increased state control over the economy, should he win another term in office. The new parliament will be tasked with evaluating and approving any proposals put forward by the government.
