14-05-2023
15:50
Turkish presidential election to go to second round: Electoral commission
Neither presidential candidate was able to secure the 50 plus 1 percent threshold required to achieve victory in the first round of Turkey's highly-contested presidential elections, with sitting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan maintaining a lead over opposition leader and candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
The head of Turkey’s Electoral Commission, Ahmet Yener, announced Monday afternoon that the polls will go to a runoff on May 28 to determine the winner.
"According to preliminary results, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan has 49.51 percent, Mr. Kemal Kilicdaroglu has 44.88 percent, Mr. Sinan Ogan has 5.21 percent [of the votes]," Yener said in a press conference.
Continue Reading13:32
Pro-Kurdish alliance says election bid was not successful
From left: Ibrahim Akin, Cigdem Ucar, spokespersons for the Green Left Party, Mithat Sancar, and Pervin Buldan, co-chairs of the Peoples' Democratic Party. Photo: Green Left Party/social media
The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and Green Left Party (Yesil Sol) said in a joint statement that they do not view the election results as a success and that they did not hit their targets.
"It is clear that the election results cannot be seen as a success for us," Cigem Ucar, a spokesperson of the Green Left Party said at a press conference in Ankara.
The parties added that they will be assessing their choices in case the election goes to the second round and that they will be revealed to the public as soon as possible.
"According to the available data, the presidential election will go to a second round, and we will fulfill the historic role, mission, and responsibility given to us by the people," Ucar said.
Preliminary results from state-owned Anadolu Agency show that the Labour and Freedom Alliance, led by the Green Left Party, won 10.52 percent of the votes. The Green Left Party got 8.8 percent of that tally. Continue Reading
"It is clear that the election results cannot be seen as a success for us," Cigem Ucar, a spokesperson of the Green Left Party said at a press conference in Ankara.
The parties added that they will be assessing their choices in case the election goes to the second round and that they will be revealed to the public as soon as possible.
"According to the available data, the presidential election will go to a second round, and we will fulfill the historic role, mission, and responsibility given to us by the people," Ucar said.
Preliminary results from state-owned Anadolu Agency show that the Labour and Freedom Alliance, led by the Green Left Party, won 10.52 percent of the votes. The Green Left Party got 8.8 percent of that tally. Continue Reading
11:30
Turkey’s Electoral Commission announces preliminary vote count
An election official shows a counting ballot at a polling station after polls have closed in Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections, in Diyarbakir, on May 14, 2023. Photo: Ilyas Akengin/AFP
The head of Turkey’s Electoral Commission, Ahmet Yener, announced the preliminary results of the presidential election, revealing that over 99 percent of the ballot boxes have been opened.
“According to this data, as of 9:45 am, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has 49.40 percent, Kilicdaroglu 44.96 percent, Sinan Ogan 5.2 percent, and Muharrem Ince has 0.44 percent of the votes,” said Yener.
Yener also revealed that 99.4 of the ballot boxes inside Turkey have been opened with only 27 boxes remain to be opened.
Official preliminary results are expected to be announced soon. Current results indicate that a second round for presidential election on May 28 is very likely.
09:23
Preliminary results show Erdogan’s ruling alliance set for majority in parliament
CHP members watch TV after the first results at the CHP building in Istanbul on May 14, 2023. Photo: Yasin Akgul/AFP
Preliminary results indicate that the People’s Alliance, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) obtained the majority of seats in the Turkish parliament in Sunday’s parliamentary election. Final results are yet to be announced.
According to results announced by Turkey’s state media Anadolu Agency, the People’s Alliance, consisting of AKP and ultranationalist far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), have so far won 49.33 percent of the votes, followed by the opposition’s Nation Alliance at 35.19 percent. Anadolu added that 98.93 percent of the ballot boxes have been opened.
Anka news agency, which is known to be close to the opposition, also placed the People’s Alliance in the lead in terms of parliament seats obtained. According to them, People’s Alliance gained 49.34 percent and Nation Alliance 35.39 percent, adding that over 99 percent of the ballots were counted.
In order to form a majority in parliament, over half of the 600 seats in parliament need to be won.
03:23
Kilicdaroglu welcomes possibility of election runoff
Turkish opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Photo: AP/screengrab
Turkish opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu welcomed the possibility of the presidential election going into a runoff, stressing that preliminary results show that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been unable to obtain the majority of the votes of the nation.
“Despite all the slandering campaigns of Mr. Erdogan, the results are not yet in,” said Kilicdaroglu, referring to a speech delivered by the Turkish president minutes earlier where he celebrated with his supporters without explicitly declaring victory.
“If the first round was not enough to do that, we are going to get the results and the necessary votes in the second election,” the opposition candidate added.
The presidential elections in Turkey will most likely be decided in the second round on May 28, as neither candidate have so far been able to obtain the 50 percent plus one threshold needed to secure the presidency, based on preliminary results.
Official results are yet to be announced over 10 hours following the polls’ closure.
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“Despite all the slandering campaigns of Mr. Erdogan, the results are not yet in,” said Kilicdaroglu, referring to a speech delivered by the Turkish president minutes earlier where he celebrated with his supporters without explicitly declaring victory.
“If the first round was not enough to do that, we are going to get the results and the necessary votes in the second election,” the opposition candidate added.
The presidential elections in Turkey will most likely be decided in the second round on May 28, as neither candidate have so far been able to obtain the 50 percent plus one threshold needed to secure the presidency, based on preliminary results.
Official results are yet to be announced over 10 hours following the polls’ closure.
02:37
We believe we will win in first round, says Erdogan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking from the balcony of the presidential complex in Ankara on May 15, 2023. Photo: Anadolu Agency
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the early hours of Monday said that they believe they will win the presidential election in the first round without the need to go to a runoff, but steered away from announcing victory before the final results are announced.
“We certainly believe we will win the elections in the first round with more than 50 percent of the votes,” said Erdogan, delivering his traditional balcony speech from the presidential complex in Ankara.
The Turkish President said that the reason for the delay in announcing the final results is due to the counting of votes from outside of Turkey taking longer than expected. Nonetheless, he stressed that they welcome a runoff “if that is what the people decide.”
“Today we are celebrating the results of this race… Although the final results are not there yet, we are leading in the elections… Our nation has won this election. Our people have won this election,” he stated, adding that certain parties are trying to “deceive” the Turkish people by falsely claiming that they are leading in the results.
Erdogan claimed that the transparency of Sunday’s elections have established Turkey as “one of the leading democracies in the world,” adding that the process has been carried out under the observation of all political parties.
He noted that they expect the same democratic maturity from all the other parties.
Polls closed across Turkey at 5pm local time, but official results are yet to be announced over nine hours later. Turkish state media currently has Erdogan leading with 49.42 percent of the votes with nearly 97 percent of the ballot boxes opened, which would not be enough to reach the threshold needed to obtain the presidency.
His closest opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu currently sits at 44.92 percent of the votes, meaning that the presidency will most likely be decided in the second round on May 28.
Continue Reading
“We certainly believe we will win the elections in the first round with more than 50 percent of the votes,” said Erdogan, delivering his traditional balcony speech from the presidential complex in Ankara.
The Turkish President said that the reason for the delay in announcing the final results is due to the counting of votes from outside of Turkey taking longer than expected. Nonetheless, he stressed that they welcome a runoff “if that is what the people decide.”
“Today we are celebrating the results of this race… Although the final results are not there yet, we are leading in the elections… Our nation has won this election. Our people have won this election,” he stated, adding that certain parties are trying to “deceive” the Turkish people by falsely claiming that they are leading in the results.
Erdogan claimed that the transparency of Sunday’s elections have established Turkey as “one of the leading democracies in the world,” adding that the process has been carried out under the observation of all political parties.
He noted that they expect the same democratic maturity from all the other parties.
Polls closed across Turkey at 5pm local time, but official results are yet to be announced over nine hours later. Turkish state media currently has Erdogan leading with 49.42 percent of the votes with nearly 97 percent of the ballot boxes opened, which would not be enough to reach the threshold needed to obtain the presidency.
His closest opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu currently sits at 44.92 percent of the votes, meaning that the presidency will most likely be decided in the second round on May 28.
00:58
Kilicdaroglu accuses rivals of blocking electoral system
Turkish opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Photo: AFP
Turkish opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the early hours of Monday accused his rivals of blocking the electoral system through appealing against the count in ballot boxes where the number of his votes are allegedly high.
Kilicdaroglu claimed that hundreds of ballot boxes have been objected, and that some have been objected multiple times.
“You cannot prevent what will happen with objections,” said the candidate, adding “Do not block the will of this nation.”
Kilicdaroglu claimed that hundreds of ballot boxes have been objected, and that some have been objected multiple times.
“You cannot prevent what will happen with objections,” said the candidate, adding “Do not block the will of this nation.”
Polls closed across Turkey at 5pm local time, but official results are yet to be announced over eight hours later.
Continue Reading23:43
Erdogan votes below 50 percent needed: State media
Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and AK Party (AKP) wave flags at the AK Party headquarters in Ankara, Turkey May 14, 2023. Photo: AFP
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has failed to collect over 50 percent of votes needed to maintain his seat during Sunday's highly-contested vote, according to unofficial figure published by state media.
Erdogan got 49.76 of the votes while his main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, candidate of the opposition, collected 44.48 percent, said Anadolu Agency.
This is based on 92 percent of votes counted.
18:19
‘Never leave ballot boxes,’ Kilicdaroglu urges observers
Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman and Presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu casts his ballot to vote on May 14, 2023. Photo: Bulent Kilic/AFP
Turkish opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu called on observers of his alliance to stay with the ballot boxes to prevent any voting manipulation.
“I call on our heroes of democracy to never leave the ballot boxes no matter what until the last signed ballot box report is delivered,” said Kilicdaroglu in a tweet.
The call came after one of his deputies claimed that the supporters of the ruling AKP beat the opposition observers and stamped Erdogan's name on several ballot papers in Sanliurfa (Riha) province.
Mehmet Rustu Tiryaki, representative of the pro-Kurdish HDP in the electoral body, said in a statement that they have assigned some 100,000 people to observe the ballot boxes, calling on them not to leave boxes until they receive the delivery reports. Continue Reading
“I call on our heroes of democracy to never leave the ballot boxes no matter what until the last signed ballot box report is delivered,” said Kilicdaroglu in a tweet.
The call came after one of his deputies claimed that the supporters of the ruling AKP beat the opposition observers and stamped Erdogan's name on several ballot papers in Sanliurfa (Riha) province.
Mehmet Rustu Tiryaki, representative of the pro-Kurdish HDP in the electoral body, said in a statement that they have assigned some 100,000 people to observe the ballot boxes, calling on them not to leave boxes until they receive the delivery reports. Continue Reading
17:53
CHP claims election fraud in Sanliurfa
A top official from the main Turkish opposition claimed on Sunday that the elections were rigged in favor of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in a village in Sanliurfa (Riha) province.
A video, purportedly showing a person stamping on the name of AKP presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdogan on several ballot papers, went viral on social media.
Oguz Kaan Salici, an assistant to CHP Leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, published the video, saying the incident took place in Harran town’s Minare village.
“First, our ballot box committee members were battered and then these images emerged,” he tweeted, adding that they have filed an objection to the local electoral body and tried to speak with the governor and police chief but they were not available.
The governor's office denied the claim in a statement, saying they have confirmed that no one was beaten and no one casted several votes at the same time in the village, adding that they will file lawsuits against those publishing the news.
Updated at 6:22pm
17:13
Polls close, vote counting begins
Voting station closes in Sirnak, southeastern Turkey, on May 14, 2023. Photo: Rudaw
Polls closed across Turkey at 5pm local time as voting for the presidential and parliamentary elections end. Vote counting is set to begin and final official results are expected to be released late on Sunday night.
The elections are the toughest challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s grip on power.
13:31
Turkish far-right Erdogan ally casts vote
Leader of Turkey's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli voting in Ankara on May 14, 2023. Photo: Social media
The leader of Turkey's far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) cast his vote in the capital of Ankara on Sunday afternoon.
"God almighty blessed us today, we performed our duty of casting the vote," Bahceli said after casting his ballot.
The MHP has maintained its alliance with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) for the elections, supporting the re-election bid of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Continue Reading12:12
Presidential candidate Sinan Ogan votes
Presidential candidate Sinan Ogan votes in Ankara on May 14, 2023. Photo: Social Media
Sinan Ogan, presidential candidate of the ATA alliance, voted in Ankara on Sunday. Ogan is a former member of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) who is known for his right-wing views.
“I call on all of our citizens to cast their votes and I hope this election passes safely and peacefully,” told reporters after casting his vote.
Continue Reading12:03
Erdogan casts vote in his toughest presidential run
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan votes in Istanbul on May 14, 2023. Photo: AFP
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, incumbent president and candidate of the People’s Alliance, votes in Istanbul on Sunday.
“The elections have been safe and without problems since the morning,” Erdogan said of the election process underway.
“The most important was the earthquake regions, and our citizens in the earthquake region are casting their votes with a lot of zeal and love,” Erdogan added.
The anger at the government’s response to the devastating earthquake that struck the country in February, as well as the economic crisis, are the major challenges Erdogan faces as he runs for his third term as president.
11:42
‘We have all missed democracy’: Kilicdaroglu
Presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu voting in Ankara on May 14. 2023. Photo: Rudaw
Presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu voted in Turkey’s elections on Sunday in Ankara.
Kilicdaroglu, the leader of opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), is running as the candidate of the Nation Alliance and is the main rival to current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s hold on power.
Continue Reading11:30
HDP MP tells Rudaw he predicts 89% voter turnout
Imam Tascier, an MP of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), talking to Rudaw’s Nwenar Fatih in Turkey on May 14, 2023. Photo: Rudaw
Imam Tascier, an MP of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), told Rudaw’s Nwenar Fatih on Sunday that he predicts an 89 percent voter turnout in the elections across Turkey.
“This election will determine the future of the ruling system in Turkey,” he said.
Tascier added that the HDP is a party “for the whole of Turkey and advocate for the rights of all those who live in Turkey.”
11:04
Ultra-nationalist IYI Party leader votes in Istanbul
Meral Aksener, leader of the IYI Party, voted in Istanbul on Sunday morning.
“We all worked hard and tried to tell our story to the most people, without polarizing,” Aksener told reporters. “We have faced many slanders, insults and nonsense, but none of that matters now.”
The ultra-nationalist IYI Party is part of part of the Nation Alliance which is represented by Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the presidential race.
“Now it’s everyone’s role to accept the results and respect the will of the voters.”
09:48
HDP co-chair casts vote in election
Pervin Buldan, co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), cast her vote in Van province in the Kurdish area of southeastern Turkey (Bakur) on May 14, 2023. Photo: Rudaw
Pervin Buldan, co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), cast her vote in Van province in the Kurdish area of southeastern Turkey (Bakur). Her party has expressed its support towards opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
“I hope and wish that each casted vote becomes a means to the serenity, welfare, love, peace, justice and democracy for this country,” Buldan told reporters after as she exited the polling station.
The HDP is hailed by many as the kingmakers in the elections, despite facing the threat of dissolution from the Turkish constitutional court.
09:18
Voting starts in pivotal Turkish elections
Voters head to the polling stations to vote in one of the most significant elections in the country’s recent history. Sunday’s presidential and parliamentary elections are expected to be the greatest challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s two-decade rule.
Voting opened at 8am (0500GMT) and will close at 5pm local time.
Here’s a reminder of what you need to know:
Voters are electing both a president and a parliament for the next five years.
In order to win the presidency, a candidate must obtain over half of the vote. If no candidate secures over 50 percent of the ballots, voting will proceed to a second round between the two top candidates on May 28.
In addition to picking a president, 600 members of the parliament will also be voted through a system of proportional representation. In order to obtain a majority, a party must win over 50 percent of the vote (at least 301 seats).
Media organizations are not allowed to report on election results before 9pm local time.
.jpg "Polls open in Diyarbakir (Amed) as elections are underway on May 14, 2023. Photo: Rudaw")
.jpg "Voting begins in Istanbul on May 14, 2023. Photo: Rudaw")
09:11
Turkey election 2023: Live updates
Voting underway in Ankara, Turkey, on May 14, 2023. Photo: Rudaw
Turkey will vote for a new president and parliament on Sunday - a vote seen as the most important in years and of great international significance.
The polls will test the strength of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s two-decade rule which began on a positive note with reforms but has recently been linked to a devastating economic crisis, expected to be a decisive factor in the results.
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, an Alevi from the Kurdish city of Dersim, is leading a collective effort by several opposition parties to unseat the incumbent president.