The current Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan he declared himself victor in the second round of the presidential election, extending his government to a third decade.
In his first remarks since the polls closed, Erdogan addressed supporters from a campaign bus outside his Istanbul residence.
“I thank every member of our nation for entrusting me with the responsibility of once again governing this country for the next five years.”he declared.
He mocked the defeat of his rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, saying “bye, bye, bye, Kemal”to the boos of his supporters.
“The only winner this day is Türkiye”, Erdoğan stated.
The election result will have implications far beyond Ankara. Turkey is at a crossroads in Europe and Asia, and has a key role in NATO.
Erdogan’s government vetoed Sweden’s bid to join the alliance and purchased Russian missile defense systems, resulting in the United States pulling Turkey out of a fighter jet project it spearheads. But he also helped broker a crucial deal that allowed Ukrainian grain shipments to avert a global food crisis.
“These elections were held in very difficult circumstances, there were all kinds of slander and defamation”Kilcdaroglu, 74, told reporters after voting.
Speaking to the press after voting at an Istanbul school, Erdogan noted that it was the first time in Turkey’s history that a runoff was needed in the presidential election. He also praised the high turnout in the first round and said he expected a high turnout on Sunday as well.
“I pray that (the elections) will be beneficial for our country and nation”said.
He has retained the support of conservative voters, who remain loyal to him because he has increased the importance of Islam in Turkey, a country founded on secular principles, and because the country has gained influence in international politics.
Erdogan, 69, will be allowed to stay in power until 2028. He exercises a presidency with sweeping powers largely of his own making, after three terms as prime minister. He is a devout Muslim and heads the religiously conservative Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Source: AP
Source: Gestion
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