Turks Ready to Decide Fate of Strongman Erdogan on May 14

Supporters of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan take a part in a choreography during a 'Unity, Will, Victory' rally at Galatasaray's Nef Stadium in Istanbul, 27 November 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE/ERDEM SAHIN

As President Erdogan finds himself in troubled waters after ruling the country for 21 years, the political atmosphere is tense and both sides predict victory.

"We will not let Kilicdaroglu divide this country," Erdogan told supporters at a grandiose election rally on May 7 in Istanbul.

Fears of election fraud and a possible move by Erdogan not to recognise the results in case of defeat are also high.

"He would do that with ease," Erdogan's main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the Republican People's Party, CHP, warned in a TV interview on Wednesday. He added that his party and allies have been working on election safety for more than a year.

More than 64 million Turkish citizens are eligible to vote on Sunday. They will choose between four presidential candidates and 36 parties in 87 electoral districts.

Polls show the race is tight between Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu for the presidency. The race between their respective People's Alliance and Nation Alliance for a majority in parliament is also neck-and-neck.

If no candidate wins more than 50 per cent of total votes on Sunday, there will be a second round of presidential elections on May 28.

Erdogan has been ruling the country since 2002, first as prime minister and later as President.

Under Erdogan, Turkey has changed dramatically. During his first ten years, the country became an EU candidate, started long overdue reforms, the economy boomed, and Turkey became a valued partner for the West.

In his second decade, almost everything went...