“Russian Observer Predicts Erdogan to Win Second Round of Turkish Election: CNN Indonesia”

CNN Indonesia

Monday, 15 May 2023 21:08 WIB

Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —

Observer from the Institute of Asian Studies of the Academy of Sciences RussiaBoris Doglov, said the incumbent President Turki Recep Tayyip Erdogan will still win in the second round of the country’s general election (Pemilu) which will be held on May 28.

The Turkish General Election Commission reported that from the election results at the end of last week, with around 35,000 votes remaining that had not been counted, Erdogan won 49.51 percent.

Meanwhile, Kemal Kilicdaroglu as Erdogan’s strong competitor won 44.88 percent and another presidential candidate Sinan Ogan, around 5 percent.

Doglov said the gain was a victory for the opposition. However, he believes Erdogan will still win in the second round.

“I believe Erdogan has enough chances to win in the second round,” Doglov was quoted as saying TASSMonday (15/5).

Doglov later said, “He is a charismatic personality and a politician who has made great strides in foreign policy.”

He further explained Erdogan’s achievements such as Turkey’s interest, neo-Ottomanism policies and this country’s position as a Muslim leader in the world could strengthen the incumbent’s position.

“We can say Turkey’s rise to the position of a global player is the unconditional achievement of Erdogan,” said Doglov.

Regarding Erdoğan’s gain in the first round which did not reach a majority vote, Doglov thinks this happened due to the impact of the Turkish earthquake in February.

Many people blame the Turkish government for the thousands of buildings that collapsed and the number of victims which reached tens of thousands of people.

According to one resident, Turkish rescue workers also arrived 12 hours after the earthquake.

“This of course has an impact. However, in my opinion, Erdogan still has a chance to win in the second round,” he said.

Dolgov also touched on the possibilities that might occur if the opposition wins.

According to him, Türkiye’s political direction will change and tend to be closer to the West. Dolgov even suspects this country may join the countries imposing sanctions on Russia.

“Although I don’t think there will be a radical change in relations with Russia, if the opposition comes to power, a decision to join an anti-Russian state could happen,” he explained.

The observer then said that he did not rule out the possibility of the United States being involved in this second round.

“There will be such efforts. We have to be prepared for that. I think the Turkish public and political institutions are aware of this and will probably take some steps to counter this influence,” he concluded.

(one/bac)