In Turkey there is uncertainty about the exact date of the election. However, Erdogan probably rules out a postponement beyond June.
Ankara – The massive earthquake in Turkey, which has killed around 43,000 people so far, has also shaken up the country’s political calendar. Originally the critical Elections 2023 to be held on May 14th. Now, however, the exact date seems unclear again. Conflicting information is circulating.
Elections in Turkey: May 14th or June 18th?
Turkish officials told the Reuters news agency, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to hold the elections on June 18 after all. He will consult with his nationalist ally, MHP chief Devlet Bahceli, a government official said. “It is very likely that there will be an agreement for June 18,” it said. Another official had previously admitted “serious difficulties” with an election date of May 14.
According to the government official, Turkish authorities fear that the logistical preparations in the earthquake area cannot be completed by May 14. However, the idea of postponing the election by about a year does not seem to be implemented. The background probably: This could give the impression that Erdogan’s government is avoiding the election. In addition, protests from the opposition and legal problems with the constitution would stand in the way of the project.
“If there were to be a postponement, it would have to be a year to be worth it, but society doesn’t like it at all,” a senior Turkish official said. Therefore, June 18 is currently considered the optimal election date. A senior official of the ruling Islamic conservative party, the AKP, also confirmed to Reuters that Erdogan and Bahceli are leaning towards holding the June 18 election.
Turkey election: debate over date is accompanied by conflicting information
According to the Turkish journalist Hande Firat from the broadcaster CNN Türk, the situation looks different. According to her, May 14 is almost certain. Erdogan was presented with the options in two separate meetings, she said on the program “Tarafsiz Bölge” by moderator Ahmet Hakan. “According to the information I have, 99 percent of the time the election will take place on May 14,” Firat claimed.
During the deliberations, high-ranking names from the AKP and the electoral authorities discussed whether it would be possible to complete the necessary preparations in good time. Contrary to Reuters information, Firat said Erdogan insists on holding the election in May. Although the date remains unclear but it is clear that it will be the last election for Erdogan.
In his last candidacy he wants to triumph again. However, the poor management of the rescue work after the earthquake and the subsequent aid to the population could be his undoing. (bb)
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