The next presidential election in Turkey is set to take place in 2023. With less than two years until the polls open, political parties are gearing up for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been in power since 2014, will be seeking reelection. But who will be his challengers? And what issues are likely to dominate the campaign? In this article, we take a closer look at the upcoming Turkey election.
Background
Since coming to power in 2014, President Erdogan has been a dominant force in Turkish politics. He has overseen a period of significant economic growth, but his critics argue that he has become increasingly authoritarian and has clamped down on opposition voices. In 2018, Turkey held presidential and parliamentary elections, which saw Erdogan reelected with 52% of the vote. His main challenger, Muharrem Ince of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), received 31% of the vote. The ruling AK Party also secured a parliamentary majority in the same election.
Challengers to Erdogan
One of the most likely challengers to President Erdogan in the 2023 election is Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul. Imamoglu is a rising star in Turkish politics, having won the Istanbul mayoral race in 2019 in a surprise victory over Erdogan’s AK Party candidate. He has been praised for his inclusive approach and his efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure. Other potential challengers include Muharrem Ince, who ran against Erdogan in 2018, and Ahmet Davutoglu, a former prime minister who broke away from the AK Party to form his own party in 2019.
Issues
The 2023 election is expected to be dominated by a number of key issues. One of the most pressing is the economy. Turkey has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with unemployment rising and the lira losing value against major currencies. The next president will need to implement policies that promote economic growth and stability. Another key issue is Turkey’s relationship with the West. Erdogan has been critical of the United States and the European Union in recent years, and has sought to strengthen ties with Russia and China. The next president will need to decide whether to continue on this path or to seek closer ties with Turkey’s traditional allies.
Conclusion
The 2023 presidential election in Turkey is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the country’s history. With President Erdogan seeking reelection and a number of challengers vying for the top job, the outcome of the election is far from certain. The next president will face a range of challenges, from the economy to foreign relations, and will need to implement policies that promote growth and stability. As the campaign heats up, we can expect to see a lively debate on the issues that matter most to the Turkish people.
