More than 61 million Turkish citizens start casting their votes for presidential runoff election

The voting process commenced nationwide at 08:00 and is set to continue until 17:00. The initial round held on May 14 failed to produce a clear winner, leaving Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as the frontrunners. Erdogan secured 49.52 percent of the votes, while Kılıçdaroğlu obtained 44.88 percent, and Sinan Oğan received 5.17 percent.

In a highly anticipated showdown, Erdogan, also the leader of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), faces off against Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party. Both candidates have been actively campaigning, leaving no stone unturned to sway undecided voters. With passionate speeches and extensive rallies, they have emphasized their policy proposals and visions for the country.

The significance of this election lies not only in the fierce competition but also in the participation of approximately 6 million first-time voters who joined the electoral process on May 14. Additionally, nearly 50,000 newly eligible voters who recently turned 18 will have the opportunity to cast their ballots in this crucial second round, as confirmed by the Supreme Election Council. The outcome will determine whether Erdogan secures another term or if Kılıçdaroğlu's vision for change prevails.

Following the inconclusive first round, the Ata Alliance, which fielded Sinan Oğan as its presidential candidate, disbanded. Individual parties within the alliance independently decided which candidate to support in the runoff. Sinan Oğan endorsed Erdogan, while the leader of the Victory Party, Ümit Özdağ, after a series of meetings, announced their support for Kılıçdaroğlu.

In terms of parliamentary results from the May 14 elections, the ruling People's Alliance, led by the AKP, emerged victorious with 321 seats, securing the majority. The opposition Nation Alliance obtained 213 seats. The AKP claimed 266 seats (35 percent), and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) secured 50 seats (10 percent) within the People's Alliance. The Nation Alliance, comprising six parties, won 213 seats, with the Republican People's Party obtaining 169 seats (25.3 percent), and the Good Party earning 44 seats (9.7 percent). The Labor and Freedom Alliance, which included the Green Left Party (YSP) with 62 seats (8.8 percent) and the Workers' Party of Türkiye (TİP) with four lawmakers (1.7 percent), also made its presence felt. The parliamentary elections witnessed an impressive turnout of 86.2 percent, with over 55 million citizens participating across 191,885 ballot boxes.

All eyes are now fixed on the outcome of the presidential runoff, as millions of Turkish citizens eagerly await the announcement that will shape the future of the country. (ILKHA)