SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region — Turkey is preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections in the midst of a major economic crisis, with inflation over 80 percent and unstable relationships with the Middle East and the rest of the world.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested May 14th for presidential and parliamentary elections.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Credit: Anadolu Agency
The Turkish opposition, which consists of two alliances, the Nation Alliance and the Labour and Freedom Alliance, has reached its peak in its efforts to end Erdogan’s 21-year rule and the Justice and Development Party (AKP).
The election coincides with the expiration of the Treaty of Lausanne, which led to the foundation of some Middle Eastern countries. While the Republic of Turkey is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Nation Alliance parties leaders. Credit: AFP
In this election, three alliances are vying for power. The People’s Alliance which consists of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The Nation Alliance, which consists of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the Good Party, the Felicity Party, the Democratic Party, the Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA) and the Future Party. The Labour and Freedom Alliance, which consists of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and five other far-left parties.
According to polls conducted over the past month, the AKP is winning the most votes, but in terms of alliance, the opposition alliance is slightly ahead.
A decisive role will be played in the upcoming elections by the Labour and Freedom Alliance, led by the HDP, which is currently before the Constitutional Court and expected to be closed.
Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). Credit: Anadolu Agency
According to Turkey’s electoral law, a presidential candidate must win 51 percent of the vote.
There is, however, no indication that any of the alliances will be successful in obtaining the necessary legal quorum.
If the HDP, which is expected to gain 9 to 11% of the vote, supports the Nation Alliance’s presidency candidate, Erdogan’s 21 years in power will come to an end.
Even though the ruling People’s Alliance has not yet decided who will run, Erdogan appears to be renominated.
While the opposition believes that Erdogan cannot run for a third term under the law, the AKP believes that his nomination is legal.
According to polls, no candidate will win the first round of elections if the HDP and its allies don’t support the opposition Nation Alliance candidates.
If the second round of elections approaches, only the first and second candidates will remain. Therefore, the opposition Nation Alliance will be in desperate need of the HDP, making the party a key player in Turkey’s decisive elections.
