the essence in a nutshell
Erdogan challenger Kilicdaroglu: Democracy missed
Some 61 million people in Turkey were called on Sunday to elect a president and a new parliament. Polls point to a close race between Kilicdaroglu and incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (sda/dpa)
Directional elections in Turkey begin – polling stations open
After 20 years in power, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan fears his re-election. An infighting ensues between him and opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
Kilicdaroglu is leader of the social-democratic party CHP, representing a broad coalition of six parties. He promises to abolish the presidential system under which Erdogan has far-reaching powers.
The third candidate, Sinan Ogan, has no chance of winning. If none of the candidates achieves an absolute majority in the first round, a second round will take place on 28 May.
Erdogan’s Islamist conservative AKP currently has a majority in parliament in alliance with the ultra-nationalist MHP. Whether Erdogan can keep this is open. The pro-Kurdish HDP is seen as the decisive factor. She is not part of Kilicdaroglu’s six-party alliance, but supports him in the presidential election. (sda/dpa)
This is how Turkey votes on Sunday
Turkey elects its president and parliament every five years. The elections should actually have taken place in June, but ruler Erdogan has brought them forward to May. Now 64 million Turks with the right to vote determine the political future of the country.
If a party wants to enter parliament with 600 seats, it needs at least seven percent – alone or together with other parties. As of 2018, 14 parties are represented in parliament.
Only parties that have won at least 5 percent of the vote in the last election are allowed to nominate candidates for the presidential election. In addition, parties can also nominate someone who has collected a minimum of 100,000 signatures in support of their nomination.
Incumbent Erdogan mainly has to fear challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu. In the latest polls, he always managed to outperform the previous president. (lion)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
