Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the participation of at least 1.7 million people – today, Sunday – in an election rally for his supporters in Istanbul, a week before the country’s expected elections.
The massive participation in the gathering, which included the opening ceremony of the first phase of the “People’s Park” at the site of Ataturk Airport, was attended by President Erdogan.
In a speech Erdogan delivered to the crowds, he said, “Now bring me the official number (for the participants in the electoral rally), the official number is one million and 700 thousand.”
So far, about 1.5 million Turkish voters residing abroad have cast their votes in the general and presidential elections to be held on May 14, and there is competition between current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu for the “People’s Alliance”, which represents what is known as the table. The six-party opposition, in addition to the head of the Balad Party, Muharram Ince, and the candidate of the “Ancestors Alliance,” Sinan Ogan.
And while the Turkish general elections abroad have begun, eyes are turning to next Sunday, the date for voting inside Turkey to choose a new president and parliament for the country.
This year’s elections are characterized by a referendum on the presidential system, as well as on the rule of justice and development led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for 20 years.
These elections are also of local importance, as they coincide with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic.
