Turkish foreign minister asks opposition candidate to provide evidence of Russian election interference

The minister stated that Kılıçdaroğlu should first denounce any interference and present any information or documents he possesses.

These comments were made in response to Kılıçdaroğlu's claims that Russia was involved in disseminating discrediting video content targeting presidential candidates.

Kılıçdaroğlu, leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and a candidate for the 6-party opposition Nation Alliance, directed his accusations at Russia via Twitter, urging them to refrain from meddling in Turkish affairs. The Turkish foreign minister emphasized that Russia had denied Kılıçdaroğlu's claims during Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to Ankara.

Additionally, the foreign minister highlighted that some Western countries, such as German and French magazines, The Economist, and The Wall Street Journal, have been favoring Kılıçdaroğlu and expressing support for his campaign against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The minister stressed the need for Kılıçdaroğlu to present evidence and documents to substantiate his claims of interference.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov firmly rejected the accusations, stating that Russia does not interfere in Turkish elections, and those spreading such rumors are untruthful. He emphasized Russia's value for its relationship with Türkiye, praising Türkiye's responsible and sovereign position.

The upcoming presidential ballot in Türkiye offers voters a choice between Erdogan, Kılıçdaroğlu, and Sinan Ogan of the ATA Alliance. Muharrem Ince, a previous contender for the presidency, withdrew from the race on Thursday. (ILKHA)