Results of Turkey Elections 2023
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won Turkey’s presidential election, securing a third decade in power. His supporters celebrate his victory, granting him another five-year term as president. The election marked the first-ever Turkish presidential runoff. Turkey Elections 2023
Erdogan’s Victory and Extended Rule
In the recent Turkish elections, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emerged as the winner, extending his two-decade-long rule. With 99.43% of the votes counted, Erdogan obtained 52.14%, while his challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu received 47.86%. The election was initially scheduled for June but was moved forward to avoid conflicts with other events. Official results showed a deeply divided nation, with Erdogan winning 52.1% to Kilicdaroglu’s 47.9%. Despite falling short of the 50% threshold, Erdogan’s strong performance led to a runoff election.
Election Results and Divided Nation
In the first round of the election, Erdogan secured under 50% of the vote, while Kilicdaroglu received almost 45%. A nationalist candidate, Sinan Ogan, was eliminated from the first round and expressed support for Erdogan, potentially influencing the outcome. The election saw a record turnout of 88.9%.
Challenges Faced by the Opposition
The opposition, led by Kemal Kilicdaroglu, faced challenges in unseating Erdogan, as his popularity and image of invincibility remained strong. The elections were criticized by the opposition, who deemed them unfair. Despite economic difficulties and discontent, Erdogan’s party managed to maintain control of the parliament through an alliance with ultra-nationalists. However, this outcome further polarized the country and raised concerns about the concentration of power.
Erdogan’s Priorities: Inflation and Earthquake Recovery
Erdogan’s main priorities include fighting inflation and addressing the effects of a devastating earthquake on February 6 claiming many lives in Turkey and neighboring Syria. Kilicdaroglu, on the other hand, emphasized the need for “real democracy” in Turkey and vowed to continue the fight until it is achieved.
Allegations of Manipulation and Disinformation
During the campaign, there were allegations of manipulation and disinformation. Erdogan showed an altered version of a commercial election belonging to Kilicdaroglu, attempting to link him with the PKK, a Kurdish militant group. Kilicdaroglu accused Erdogan of fabricating fraudulent videos and filed a lawsuit against him.
On election night, there were complaints about the reporting of election results by the Anadolu Agency, with the opposition producing its numbers that showed Kilicdaroglu as the leading candidate. Delays in counting ballots cast abroad were also criticized, with explanations given for the slower pace of counting.
Concerns over Erdogan’s Ties with Putin
Following his victory, Erdogan pledged to unite the nation behind national values and dreams but then criticized the opposition and accused Kilicdaroglu of siding with terrorists without providing evidence. Erdogan’s close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin have raised concerns among Turkey’s NATO allies.
Parliamentary Vote and AKP’s Majority
The election also included a parliamentary vote, where Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) secured the majority of seats, particularly in the quake-stricken provinces.
During the campaign, the focus shifted from the Turkish economy, the earthquake, and the refugee question to the issue of “terrorism” and the deportation of Syrian refugees.
Kilicdaroglu’s campaigns
Kilicdaroglu initially ran a moderate campaign but shifted to a more aggressive tone after the disappointing first round. He entered into a cooperation with the right-wing populist anti-refugee Victory Party. The opposition Labor and Freedom Alliance, including the pro-Kurdish HDP, supported Kilicdaroglu, aiming to end what they perceived as a one-person regime.
Kilicdaroglu’s Alliance
Kilicdaroglu’s Alliance comprises six different parties, including the national-secular CHP, the center-right “Good Party” (IYI Parti), and smaller splinter parties on the Islamic conservative spectrum.
World leaders congratulate Erdogan on reelection victory
Russian
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Erdogan’s re-election as a natural result of his dedicated work and the support of the Turkish people. He also commended Erdogan’s efforts to strengthen state sovereignty and pursue an independent foreign policy, expressing appreciation for his contribution to Russian-Turkish relations.
US President
US President Joe Biden congratulated Erdogan and expressed eagerness to continue working together on bilateral and global issues. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated Erdogan and expressed the intention to strengthen cooperation between Turkey and the United Nations.
NATO Secretary-General
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg looked forward to continuing their work together and preparing for the NATO Summit. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the strategic importance of advancing the EU-Turkey relationship for the benefit of both parties.
Ukrainian
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also congratulated Erdogan, expressing the hope for enhanced cooperation to ensure the security and stability of Europe. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev emphasized the dynamic relations between Bulgaria and Turkey and their contribution to good neighborliness, trust, and cooperation in Southeast Europe.
European leaders
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received congratulations from European leaders following his re-election. EU Council President Charles Michel congratulated Erdogan, stating his anticipation to work together to deepen EU-Turkey relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated Erdogan, emphasizing the strategic importance of advancing the EU-Turkey relationship for the benefit of both parties.
The European Union, as an organization, conveyed their congratulations to Erdogan through a joint statement by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi. The statement highlighted the EU’s strategic interest in developing a cooperative relationship with Turkey and promoting stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Other countries
Leaders from various countries worldwide, including Pakistan, Qatar, Iran, Hungary, Egypt, Algeria, Venezuela, Bulgaria, Armenia, Kosovo, and many others, also congratulated Erdogan on his re-election.
The re-election of Erdogan received recognition and praise from leaders across different regions, highlighting the significance of his victory and expressing their hopes for continued cooperation and strengthened partnerships with Turkey. Erdogan victory
