Breaking! Recep Tayyip Erdogan wins historic re-election. Will remain as President of Turkey for another 5 years

YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as the victorious candidate in the second round of the Turkish presidential elections. In the race to secure his grip over the country for another 5 years, the long-time incumbent leader outperformed chief opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

The first round of voting took place on May 14. However, none of the candidates managed to get the required 50% of the votes to secure a win. Erdogan bagged 49.52%, while Kilicdaroglu polled 44.88%. 

Meanwhile, a third candidate, Sinan Ogan, a former member of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), received 5.17% of the total votes. 

Muharrem İnce of the Homeland Party, who withdrew from the race before polls opened, bagged 0.43%. The results forced the country to go for a runoff for the first time in Turkey’s history. 

As a result, the two candidates with the largest vote share, Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu, went back to the polls again.  

Erdogan claims victory in Turkish elections. Official results still awaited

According to preliminary results, the incumbent president has secured a substantial majority, reaffirming his hold on power. With nearly all votes counted, Erdogan has bagged around 52% of the votes. 

Kilicdaroglu also performed better than the last round, securing about 48%. However, with voter turnout significantly lower, he fell short of ending Erdognan’s decades-old rule. 

Erdogan’s victory signifies a continuation of his leadership, extending his presidency for another term. In a major disappointment for liberals and human rights activists, Turkish people have voted to let their long-time leader steer the nation forward. 

As the election results were announced, Erdogan addressed the nation, expressing gratitude to the people for their support and trust. He emphasized his commitment to serving the Turkish people and working tirelessly to promote their interests at home and abroad. Erdogan also acknowledged the importance of unity and solidarity in addressing the nation’s pressing issues.

“We completed the second round of the presidential election with the favor of our nation. I would like to express my gratitude to my nation for giving us a day of democracy… We will be ruling the country for the coming five years… God willing, we will be deserving of your trust,” 

Erdogan said. 

Erdogan’s victory has sparked both celebration and criticism within Turkey and internationally. Supporters of the president see his win as a validation of his policies and a mandate to continue his vision for the country. They believe Erdogan’s leadership will lead to economic growth, security, and stability.

However, critics argue that Erdogan’s presidency has been marked by increasing authoritarianism and erosion of democratic principles. They express concerns over the state of human rights, media freedom, and the rule of law in Turkey. These critics hope for a more inclusive and transparent government that respects and protects the rights of all citizens.

However, the country’s election commission is yet to release the final results of the voting. 

Also Read: President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Reach Tentative Deal to Raise US Debt Ceiling

Celebrations from Global leaders pour in

Within minutes after the results became clear, congratulatory notes started pouring in for Erdogan. Several leaders from various countries raced to be among the first to express their applause to the Turkish President for the historic win. 

The Presidents of Somalia, Iran, and Azerbaijan were quick to express their satisfaction with the results. The Turkish strongman also received congratulatory messages from Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. 

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has congratulated Erdogan “on his unquestionable election victory”.

Meanwhile, the Qatari emir, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, also applauded Erdogan for the win. 

“My dear brother Recep Tayyip Erdogan, congratulations on your victory, and I wish you success in your new term, and that you achieve in it what the brotherly Turkish people aspire to in terms of progress and prosperity, and for the strong relations of our two countries to further development and growth,” 

he wrote. 

Erdogan is all set to extend his 20-year rule by another 5 years. However, with the country grappling with economic crisis, this may well be the last term for the 69 years-old leader. If he fails to deliver, the opposition knows that he is not invincible.