| Turkish elections on Sunday could unseat President Erdogan and determine the country's future. Opinion polls show Erdogan's primary challenger, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, with a slight lead, but a runoff election may be necessary if neither candidate receives over 50% of the vote. - The
election is critical for Turkey's future as it will determine the
leadership and governance of a NATO-member country with a population of
85 million.
- Kilicdaroglu is leading an alliance of six opposition parties to challenge President Erdogan, who has been in power for 20 years.
- A runoff election on May 28 may be required if neither candidate secures more than 50% of the vote.
- The
election comes after a series of earthquakes in southeast Turkey, but
it is uncertain whether the slow government response will significantly
impact voters' choices.
- Kurdish voters, accounting for 15%-20%
of the electorate, will play a crucial role, potentially preventing the
Nation Alliance from achieving a parliamentary majority.
- Erdogan is committed to securing a third term as president,
adding to his three previous spells as PM from 2003 to 2014, in
presidential and parliamentary elections billed as the toughest he has
yet to face.
|
