Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
16 May 2023 | 16:40 CAT

Image: The Guardian

Turkey’s battle for the presidency looks set to go to a runoff, with both contenders adamant they have victory in their grasp. Turkey’s Supreme Election Council says Erdogan is 49.5/ of the vote, with his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu at 44.70/, with nearly all the votes counted. Neither man secured 50/, and there will be a second poll in two weeks.

This election comes at a crucial time for the country, struggling with high inflation and recently suffered devastating earthquakes.

Erdogan’s party’s gained momentum placed him in the right direction regarding the runoff. Foreign Policy Analyst Muhammet Kocak told Radio Islam International the votes indicate that the runoff will go in Erdogan’s favour.

“Erdogan already received 49.5/ and only needs to secure 0.5/ to win the elections. I comfortably say that he is going to win the second round,” he says.

According to Kocak, coming in third in Turkey’s Presidential election, Sinan Ogan, the unexpected kingmaker, does not have complete control over the people who voted for him.

“The reason he received 5/ of the votes is because people who didn’t like either of the candidates, voted for him,” says Kocak.

Meanwhile, speaking on the overall mood in Turkey, Kocak said before the election was tense because a close call was expected. However, with Erdogan becoming a clear winner and is expected to win in the second round, the mood is calm.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie.