The two-horse race continues.

The Turkish presidential election was considered dramatic and unpredictable. Despite leading his opponent 49.35% to 45%, incumbent President Tayyip Erdogan – who has led Türkiye for the past 20 years – failed to surpass the 50% threshold needed for first-round victory. According to the Chairman of Türkiye's Supreme Electoral Council, all polling stations nationwide were opened, and voter turnout was 88.92%.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu (left) and Tayip Erdogan. (Photo: FT)

This presidential election in Türkiye is of great significance, a turning point in the last 100 years, not only determining Türkiye's leader but also influencing future decisions in governing the country, addressing the cost of living crisis, and shaping the foreign policy of this NATO member state in the coming period. As soon as the initial results were announced, both candidates sought to energize voters with statements about their future policies.

President Erdogan emphasized: “Currently, the majority in parliament belongs to our People’s Alliance. Therefore, we have no doubt that the nation’s choice will help ensure confidence and stability in the presidential election.”

Candidate Kilicdaroglu, representing an electoral alliance of six opposition parties, has pledged to reassess President Erdogan's policies in order to move towards a more secular political system and revive the country's economy.

“Elections cannot be won on a balcony. If voters have decided to hold another round of voting, we are more than willing. We will definitely win in the second round. Everyone will see that,” said Kilicdaroglu.

The top concern for Turkish voters right now is the economic situation and the damage caused by the February earthquake. Even before the earthquake, Turkey was struggling with soaring prices and a currency crisis that saw inflation reach 85% in October.

However, the momentum in the second round of the election doesn't just come from the two candidates. With 5.17% of the vote in the first round, Sinan Ogan, the third-place candidate from the Ancestral Alliance, now has enough support to shift the vote in favor of either Erdogan or Kilicdaroglu.

Sinan Ogan is a hardliner on immigration, and his choice of which side to ally with is expected to influence Türkiye's future domestic and foreign policies.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel congratulated Turkish voters yesterday, stating that they are closely monitoring the election results. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia respects the choice of the Turkish people. In any case, bilateral cooperation will be maintained and further strengthened.

Thu Hoai (VOV1)

Beneficial
Emotion
Creative
Unique
Wrath

Source: https://vtc.vn/bau-cu-tong-thong-tho-nhi-ky-tiep-tuc-cuoc-dua-song-ma-ar783150.html