Türkiye: a disputed presidential election

The future of Türkiye is at stake on Sunday 14 May as parliamentary and presidential elections are held. The aging Erdoğan and his Islamo-conservative AKP could lose power for the first time in 20 years to an opposition coalition represented by Kemal Kiliçdaroglu. The latter, nicknamed the “Turkish Gandhi”, is currently leading the polls in the first round thanks to promises of democratisation.

Following the failed coup of 2016, Erdoğan dragged Türkiye towards autocracy and diplomatic isolation, a system that showed its flaws after the earthquake last February. The Turks will make a choice that will have a considerable impact, including internationally.

Find all the archives of our weekly editorials here!