Who is Kilicdaroglu, Erdogan’s main rival in the 2023 Turkish elections?
The Kremlin has strongly denied meddling in Turkey’s presidential election, after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main rival accused Russia of spreading false information ahead of voting that begins Sunday.
Earlier this week, Kemal Kilicdaroglu alleged that Moscow was behind what he called “deeply fake” content circulating on social media – although he offered no evidence to support his accusations.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that whoever provided Mr Kilicdaroglu with this information was a liar.
Peskov, who was speaking to reporters, said Russia values its bilateral relations with Turkey and that Moscow “firmly rejects” the accusations against it.
He added, “We officially declare that there is no doubt that there was any interference. If someone provided Mr. Kilicdaroglu with this information, he is a liar.”
Kılıçdaroğlu, who is the opposition candidate in the Turkish presidential elections, had warned Russia against publishing fake material on social media, two days before the elections.
Kilicdaroglu did not clarify what material he accuses Russia of falsifying on the Internet.
“If you want to continue our friendship after May 15, withdraw your hands from Turkey, and we still prefer cooperation and friendship,” he said in a post he posted on Twitter in both Turkish and Russian.
The former candidate, Muharram Injeh, withdrew from the elections on Thursday, because of what he said was a “moral assassination” he was subjected to, after publishing a sexual clip that he said was of a person who looked like him. Ince said he did not want the opposition to blame him if the elections were lost.
Kilicdaroglu, who polls indicate has a slight advantage over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accused Russia of “publishing fabricated clips” with “deep fake” technology.
Russia enjoys close relations with Turkey, on top of which are economic relations and gas exports, after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that Turkey turn into a major center for the export of Russian gas to the West.
Erdogan controlled power in Turkey for about twenty years, and led it to develop its infrastructure, improve its economy, and build huge industries on the economic and military levels.
Some believe that the upcoming elections will be the most difficult for Erdogan, as he will face opposition candidate Kilicdaroglu, who is supported by a coalition of six Turkish parties.
On the other hand, the ruling Justice and Development Party believes that Erdogan can win the elections in the first round, albeit by a small margin.
Erdogan has pledged to voters to make Turkey strong, with multiple alliances, and to create six million jobs, accusing the West of trying to overthrow him after more than two decades in power.
On the other hand, Kilicdaroglu tends, with the support of the vast majority of the opposition forces, to direct this NATO member country once again towards the West, “and make it more democratic,” as he put it.
Kilicdaroglu confirmed his intention to return about 3.5 million Syrian refugees who enjoy temporary protection in Turkey to their homeland “within two years,” if he wins the elections.
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2023-05-12 15:56:15
