ELECTION DAY IN TURKEY: ERDOGAN AIMS TO RETAIN PRESIDENCY

Supporters of Muharrem Ince, presidential candidate of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), attend an election rally in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 23, 2018. Osman Orsal / Reuters

Polling has started in Turkey’s parliamentary and presidential elections.

There are 56,322,632 registered voters and 180,065 ballot boxes across the country. About 1.49 million expats already voted in a 13-day period between June 7-19 at 123 Turkish missions abroad.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan needs more than 50% of the presidential vote to secure his post in the first round of the presidential election. If no candidate gets more than 50%, there will be a second round. MORE HERE: “Another Political Crisis May Erupt In Turkey“

Erdogan’s main challenger is Muharrem Ince of the Republican People’s Party (CHP).

According to pre-election surveys, Erdogan will get about 47-48% in the first round while Ince will get up to 30%. Thus, many experts predict a two-round challenge.

At the same time, Erdogan’s ruling AK Party is also expected to face some problems in the parliamentary election vote.

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