Turkey’s President Erdogan has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election run-off with 52.5% of the votes, according to the official results announced by Turkey’s High Electoral Board (YSK). His main opposition candidate, Muharrem Ince, secured 30.6% of the votes. Erdogan’s party, the AKP, also secured a majority in the parliamentary elections, meaning that he will now have greater executive powers. The elections were seen as pivotal for Turkey’s democracy as well as its relations with the EU.
The YSK’s announcement follows a night of violence in Istanbul, where supporters of Erdogan were seen celebrating and setting off fireworks, while opposition supporters were met with a heavy police presence. Reports indicate that at least two people were killed during the unrest, and around 100 more were injured.
The outcome of the elections is likely to have major implications both domestically and internationally. Domestically, Erdogan’s victory means that he will be able to exercise greater control over Turkish institutions, including the judiciary and media. This has raised concerns among opposition groups, who fear that the country is headed towards an authoritarian system of government.
Internationally, Erdogan’s victory is likely to impact Turkey’s relationships with its neighbors and the EU. The country is currently in the midst of a diplomatic crisis with several of its neighbors, including Greece and Cyprus, over territorial disputes in the Mediterranean. The outcome of the elections is likely to embolden Erdogan in his pursuit of a more assertive foreign policy, putting Turkey at odds with its neighbors and potentially worsening the crisis.
The EU has also expressed concern over Turkey’s democratic backsliding in recent years, particularly since the failed coup attempt in 2016. Erdogan’s victory is likely to further exacerbate tensions between Turkey and the EU, which have been strained over issues like Turkey’s crackdown on civil liberties and the refugee crisis.
Despite these concerns, Erdogan’s victory has been welcomed by some, who see him as a strong leader capable of navigating Turkey through its many challenges. However, critics argue that his policies have done more harm than good, pointing to the country’s economic woes, rising authoritarianism, and deteriorating relations with the West.
The coming weeks and months will likely be a critical time for Turkey, as the country grapples with the implications of Erdogan’s victory and the challenges that lie ahead. Whether the country will continue on its current trajectory or chart a new course remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the outcome of the elections will have far-reaching consequences for Turkey and the region as a whole.
