Türkiye’s Presidential and Parliamentary Elections 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32859/neg/15/425-437Keywords:
Justice and Development Party, Erdoğan, Presidential and parliamentary elections, constitutional amendments, oppositional partiesAbstract
On May 14, 2023, Türkiye had presidential and parliamentary elections, followed by a second round of voting for president on May 28, 2023. In the parliamentary elections, the governing (AKP) and its allies secured a majority, in spite of surveys pointing to a potential opposition victory. The second round of the Presidential election was held on May 28, which was the first ever in the history of the Republic of Türkiye. In the run-off, Erdoğan defeated Kiliçdaroğlu by 52%-48%, securing a next five-year term. Erdoğan's election campaign focused on large-scale national projects, while opposition candidates highlighted everyday issues and economic challenges, particularly with high inflation and prices impacting all aspects of life. Despite the critical approach to governments’ foreign policy, opposition on a wider scale agrees with the country’s overall direction. Both sides believe that equality and mutual respect must be maintained to restore. Türkiye should work to reduce regional isolation and improve ties with Middle Eastern Allies, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Critics have highlighted the opposition coalition's failure to persuade voters that it could rule with coherence and unity despite its membership consisting of disparate parties. At the same time, Erdoğan was seen as providing stability, especially for those with fear of the PKK threats.