The propaganda ban ends this live blog. Tomorrow, join our live blog to stay updated on Turkey's historic first-ever presidential runoff. For now, dive into our countdown blog for a comprehensive recap.
24 hour propaganda ban imposed ahead of Turkey's first-ever presidential runoff on May 28
With the second round of the presidential election set to take place tomorrow, a propaganda ban commenced at 6:00 PM local time today (May 27), prohibiting the dissemination of election-related news and broadcasts until the polls close tomorrow.
As per the Supreme Election Board (YSK)'s rulings, the media will be prohibited from making predictions and providing commentary on the elections and their outcomes until at least 6:00 PM tomorrow. However, starting from 9:00 PM, all broadcasts will be unrestricted, with the possibility for the YSK to adjust this time earlier if desired.
In addition to the propaganda ban, several restrictions will be in effect on election day, starting from 06:00 AM. The sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited throughout the day until midnight. Furthermore, all public entertainment venues, including coffee shops and internet cafes, will remain closed, while restaurants categorized as entertainment venues may only serve meals. However, weddings are allowed to take place after 18:00.
Voting will begin at 08:00 and continue until 17:00 for the country's first-ever presidential runoff.
Overseas voter turnout surpasses May 14 dual elections
The overseas voter turnout rate has surpassed that of May 14's dual elections, according to new data from the Supreme Election Board (YSK).
The total number of votes cast has exceeded 1.92 million as of 16:00 today (May 27), Turkey's main electoral body indicates.
The voting at overseas representatives commenced on May 20 and concluded on May 24, while voting at customs is still underway. The customs voting will conclude tomorrow at 5:00 PM.
All overseas votes will be delivered to the ATO Congresium in Ankara. The counting of these votes will occur simultaneously with others once the voting process concludes nationwide at 5:00 PM on Sunday (May 28).
In parliamentary and the first round of presidential elections, over 1.8 million citizens voted at Turkey's overseas representations and customs, resulting in a record high 52.6% participation rate.
Main electoral body to announce May 14 general election results after runoff
The Supreme Election Board (YSK) will announce the final results of the general elections held on May 14 after the second round of the presidential elections to be held tomorrow (May 28).
The appeal process concluded on May 24, while objections can be made until 17:00 tomorrow (May 28). The YSK will decide on all objections and announce the final parliamentary election results after the May 28 elections.
MAY 26
Kılıçdaroğlu says under 'total blackout,' labels Erdoğan a coward
The opposition candidate said he was prevented from sending SMS messages to journalists and citizens about his campaign. "Should I not participate in the election? Is this what you want? Elections cannot be held in Turkey. This man is a coward, a coward who is causing the country to decline," he remarked.
'Terror' investigation launched against Green Left MP immediately after taking office
Vezir Coşkun Parlak is facing charges of "providing financial support to a terrorist organization" due to their provision of financial aid to certain prisoners.
Forty-two released amidst crackdown on pro-Kurdish parties
Prior to the May 28 presidential runoff, 24 people have been detained in police raids in Hakkari, with 3 arrested for "spreading terrorist propaganda". Similar events occurred in Batman.
Since last month, Kurdish-linked groups, including the HDP and Green Left Party, have been frequent targets in operations.
Turkish lira hits rock bottom ahead of runoff vote
Ahead of the May 28 runoff, the Turkish lira hits rock bottom, with the USD/TRY exchange rate surging to 20.47 in the morning, while the disparity between the free market rate and the informal market rate narrowed.
Meanwhile, recent data released by the Central Bank revealed a substantial decline in gross reserves, which plummeted by $3.5 billion, reaching a total of $101.5 billion.
In the midst of these economic woes, oppositional candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu assures to promises to ease credit card debts if elected president in an SMS text sent to citizens on May 25, blaming the economic depression on incumbent Erdoğan.
HDP, Green Left maintain support for Kılıçdaroğlu despite deal with far-right leader
Although the party leaders did not explicitly endorse Kılıçdaroğlu, they characterized the upcoming runoff vote on Sunday as a "referendum" on the "one-man regime," pledging their commitment to bring an end to it.
Erdoğan leads Kılıçdaroğlu ahead of May 28 runoff, according to polls
The incumbent president is projected to secure his third term with 52.7% of the votes on May 28. In contrast, his rival Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is expected to receive a mere 47.3% of the votes, according to a new survey by KONDA. Six of the seven polls conducted between May 14 and 25 forecast that Erdoğan will win the second round of the presidential vote.
The top pollster further released a statement on its May 14 inaccurate forecasts.
Interior minister engages in heated exchange with protesters via bus microphone results in many detained in İstanbul's Gazi neighborhood
Days into the crucial presidential vote, Minister Soylu visited İstanbul's Gazi neighborhood, known for its working-class demographics and historical association with leftist and socialist groups.
Judge orders block on misleading video linking Kılıçdaroğlu to PKK
A judge has blocked a Twitter post containing a video that was acknowledged by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to have been fabricated and shown during his election rallies.
The video in question was a combination of footage of the election advertisement of Erdoğan's rival in the presidential election, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, and footage of the leaders of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), falsely insinuating that the group supported the opposition.
Kılıçdaroğlu vows to wipe out drug lords in Turkey
The opposition candidate blamed the government for what he called "a plague" and promised to fight drug use and trade in Turkey if elected president.
Turkey has seen a surge in drug-related offenses, with over 126,000 individuals imprisoned for such offenses since mid-2016. The CHP leader expressed concerns about the country becoming a "meth production center" due to government policies. Methamphetamine seizures and domestic consumption have increased significantly, while the country's role as a hub for cocaine trafficking was highlighted in a UN report.
Ballot boxes abroad close with an estimated 2 million votes
Voting in the presidential election runoff concluded at diplomatic missions abroad on May 24, with citizens still able to vote at border gates.
As of early May 24, more than 1.76 million expatriates had already cast their votes, and the number of overseas votes is anticipated to reach close to 2 million.
In parliamentary and the first round of presidential elections, over 1.8 million citizens voted at Turkey's overseas representations and customs, resulting in a record high 52.6% participation rate.
The constituency of over 3 million individuals living outside of Turkey is widely acknowledged as a significant support base for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Germany has the largest diaspora, with over 1.5 million eligible voters, followed by France and the Netherlands, with 397,086 and 286,753 voters, respectively. This corresponds to a potential influence on the outcome of the presidential polls by up to half a percentage point.
Survey: Anger most dominant emotion prior to May 14's dual election
A new report by Politus Analytics shows relatively similar emotional trends among Erdoğan and Kılıçdaroğlu supporters, with the February 6 earthquakes evoking large spikes in various emotions in both constituencies.
Analysis: What does Kılıçdaroğlu-Özdağ agreement imply about the removal of elected mayors in Kurdish regions?
The government has replaced all but a few of the HDP mayors Kurdish-majority regions since the 2019 local election. The Kılıçdaroğlu-Özdağ protocol pledges to maintain this practice, but exclusively for individuals with "proven connections" to terrorism.
This agreement holds significance as Kılıçdaroğlu had a strong performance in Kurdish-majority provinces in the first round, with the pro-Kurdish HDP endorsing him. The HDP and the Green Left Party, which supported Kılıçdaroğlu, are currently evaluating the protocol.
Head of the anti-refugee Victory (Zafer) Party, Ümit Özdağ, has endorsed Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in the second round. The Victory Party got 2.23 percent of the parliamentary votes in the May 14 polls. Its presidential candidate, Sinan Oğan, who declared support for incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday, got over 5 percent of the votes in the first round.
Kılıçdaroğlu pledges to expel refugees 'without being racist' in Hatay visit
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and presidential candidate of the Nation's Alliance, visited the earthquake-stricken province of Hatay. From a tent with a banner stating, "Decide before immigrants take over the country," he reiterated his promise to return all refugees to their respective countries.
Hatay's new hospital inaugurated by Erdoğan remains largely unfinished
On May 21, during a widely publicized tour through the area heavily battered by the February 6 earthquakes, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited the newly opened Defne State Hospital in the Hatay province.
The medical center was ostensibly completed within 60 days, but a delegation from medical associations reported ongoing construction work and expressed concerns about the risks to public health.
Previously, viral footage showed the absence of construction work and incorrect cement pouring at the hospital's groundbreaking ceremony.
Swearing-in of Turkey's parliament still pending, sparks speculations
The ceremony of the new cabinet, consisting of 600 members, is typically scheduled three days after the announcement of the official results by the Supreme Electoral Council (YSK).
However, while the electoral body announced the official presidential results on May 19, the official outcomes of the general elections have not yet been released.
During the inaugural session of the new legislative term, the members of Erdoğan's cabinet will take the oath. However, since all ministers have been elected as MPs, they will need to resign from their positions if they swear in at parliament. This implies that the president will have to appoint new ministers prior to the crucial runoff vote on May 28.
This delay also has sparked speculation regarding HÜDA PAR, the controversial Kurdish Islamist allies of Erdoğan's AKP. Özgur Özel, CHP's deputy group chair, recently remarked that the postponement may be a strategy to wait until after the presidential runoff on May 28, as HÜDA-PAR might have ideological objections to the oath.
According to the politician of the main opposition party, "Atatürk's principles and reforms" and "I swear before the Turkish nation" were supposedly parts that HÜDA-PAR opposed, although an official of the Kurdish Islamist party has denied the claims.
It is anticipated that the 75-year-old Bahçeli, the oldest parliament member and leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) will preside over the opening session of the Grand Assembly's 28th term.
The new parliament's makeup is regarded as one of the most nationalist and conservative in the country's centenary history.
First female representatives elected in three provinces
Filiz Kılıç, Elvan Işık, Derya Yanık and Asu Kaya-Gedik
Four women have been elected as the first women Members of Parliament (MPs) in three provinces.
A new record of 121 women will serve in the 28th term of Turkey's Grand Assembly, consisting of 600 members.
For the first time, the provinces of Giresun, Nevşehir, and Osmaniye will have representation by women in the parliament. Filiz Kılıç from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) becomes the first women lawmaker from the inner-Anatolian province of Nevşehir.
Elvan Işık Gezmiş, representing the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), secures the distinction of being the first women representative from the Black Sea province of Giresun.
In Osmaniye, the birthplace of MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, Derya Yanık from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Asu Kaya-Gedik from the CHP will enter the parliament.
MAY 22
Erdoğan acknowledges Kılıçdaroğlu-PKK video may be 'manipulated'
Throughout his election rallies, the president has showcased a video montage falsely insinuating that the PKK supports his rival Kılıçdaroğlu in the presidential vote. During a televised interview last night, he conceded that the video might have been manipulated, saying, "Kılıçdaroğlu has videos with those in Qandil... Manipulated or not, these video recordings were made."
In response, the opposition leader called the president a "manipulative charlatan" on Twitter.
Sinan Oğan, who ran in the first round of the presidential election as the candidate of the right-wing Ancestral Alliance, has announced his support for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the second round.
Having received over 5 percent of the votes in the initial round, Oğan and the now-dissolved Ancestral Alliance were approached by both the ruling and opposition camps ahead of the runoff vote.
Kılıçdaroğlu insists second round a 'referendum' about keeping refugees or not
The opposition candidate shared a video on his social media accounts with the message, "Those who love their country must come to the ballot box before illegal immigrants ruin the lives of our daughters. Remember, this is a referendum."
In the video, Kılıçdaroğlu said, "Whether you love me or not, that's fine, but if you love your children, make a decision. Who knows what will happen if those who look down upon our daughters come to power. Remember, you will cast that vote not for me, but for your children. Let those who love their country come to the ballot box."
After trailing behind Erdoğan in the first round, Kılıçdaroğlu has increasingly played on anti-refugee sentiment, in an anticipated effort to attract nationalist votes.
Gelen kaçaklar, kızlarımızın hayatını tamamen karartmadan, vatanını seven sandığa gelsin. Unutmayın, bu bir referandumdur! pic.twitter.com/VA8jgMejMk
— Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu (@kilicdarogluk) May 22, 2023
Right-wing leaders part ways ahead of runoff vote
Oğan and Özdağ at a meeting with journalists in Antep on May 8. (Photo: AA)
The anti-refugee Victory Party, led by Ümit Özdağ, has split with their presidential candidate Sinan Oğan ahead of the upcoming runoff vote.
With Oğan securing over 5% of the votes in the first round, both the ruling and opposition factions have been vying for their support in the May 28 runoff.
Oğan is expected to announce his position later today, while Özdağ revealed that he will make a separate statement tomorrow, indicating that their decisions will diverge.
In an interview with İsmail Saymaz, a columnist for daily Sözcü, Oğan stated that "our decisions do not have to be the same," as reported in today's article.
Additionally, Abdülkadir Selvi, a columnist for daily Hürriyet, wrote that sources within the presidency suggest Oğan is likely to declare his support for Erdoğan.
On Friday, Oğan met with President Erdoğan, while Özdağ met with Kılıçdaroğlu. Furthermore, Oğan reportedly had a clandestine meeting with Kılıçdaroğlu, as mentioned by Saymaz.
The runoff sees an even higher turnout following a two-decade high overseas participation in the first round of elections. In the first round of the presidential election held on May 14, a total of 697,577 voters went to the ballot boxes in five days. Voting at consulates will conclude on May 24, while voting at customs offices will continue until 5.00 p.m. on May 28.
Kılıçdaroğlu's election will bring checks and balances, Akşener argues
With President Erdoğan's ruling People's Alliance securing the parliamentary majority in the May 14 polls, the İYİ Party leader argues that electing Kılıçdaroğlu as president will introduce checks and balances to the country. She warned her supporters that without this change, the "monstrous" presidential system will endure indefinitely, urging them to vote for Kılıçdaroğlu.
Turkey can't send back all refugees due to its labor force needs, Minister Çavuşoğlu said as refugees once again became a pressing issue ahead of the presidential runoff to take place on May 28.
Erdoğan promises swift reconstruction if reelected, seeks high support and turnout in quake-hit provinces
During his visit in the last days to Adıyaman, Maraş, Hatay, and Gaziantep, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated his plans to deliver new homes to the February 6 earthquake-stricken provinces by October or November if they win the upcoming presidential elections on May 28.
The incumbent stated that works are on "full speed" and emphasized the government's objective to build 650,000 new homes, with 319,000 expected to be completed within a year.
In the heavily affected province of Maraş, he expressed achieving a high voter turnout and increasing his support to 80%.
Soon after the February 6 tremblors that pulverized massive swathes in the south of Turkey, President Erdoğan pledged to rebuild thousands of new houses swiftly.
Following a presidential decree on February 24, groundwork hastily commenced to construct new urban areas.
However, organizations such as the Union of Turkish Chambers of Architects and Engineers (TMMOB) deemed these rapid rebuilding responses premature, warning against starting construction due to ongoing aftershocks that may damage the foundations.
Instead, the TMMOB pointed out to ensure decent living conditions for victims residing in temporary settlements.
Other critics argue that these tenders for rapid housing projects in quake-hit areas are awarded to tycoons close to the government.
AFAD to transport displaced quake survivors for runoff voting, CHP extends "democracy ticket" campaign
The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) announced that it will transport displaced survivors of the February 6 earthquakes to participate in the runoff voting, with efforts being made to facilitate travel between provinces, disaster zones, and temporary settlements.
On May 14, voter turnout for the parliamentary and presidential elections exceeded 80% in the region hit by the devastating tremblors.
The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), whose candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu could halt incumbent Erdoğan's third term as president on May 28, extended their "democracy ticket" campaign to facilitate university students' return to their hometowns for the elections, CHP youth branch head Gençosman Killik shared on his social media account on May 18.
Analysis: Both Erdoğan and Kılıçdaroğlu are seeking Oğan's support. But is he really a game changer?
Both the ruling and the opposition camps seek the support of the nationalist candidate who puts sending refugees back at the center of his rhetoric. But there are question marks over his ability to sway his voters to support the candidate he endorses.
Also, endorsing any candidate may have its own drawbacks for Oğan, considering his promises about refugees and "terrorism."
If Oğan supports Erdoğan, who has vigorosuly defended his refugee policies, his promises regarding refugees will be called into question. If he supports Kılıçdaroğlu, he will find himself aligned with the Green Left Party, accused by nationalists of "supporting terrorism."
Justice leaves Ancestral Alliance, expected to announce backing for Kılıçdaroğlu
The Justice (Adalet) Party, part of the Ancestral (Ata) Alliance, has reportedly chosen to back Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the Nation Alliance candidate, in the second round. Party leader Vecdet Öz emphasized the need to oust the current government.
"It should not be forgotten that our country is going through a historic process. First and foremost, it is crucial for us to get rid of the current government. The way to do this is to have an ally with whom we can work together, even if it does not align with our ideals,'' the former CHP member explained, adding that remaining neutral means indirectly supporting the sitting government.
The official announcement will be made during Kılıçdaroğlu's visit to the party headquarters on Monday (May 22), Öz indicated.
Later in the day, he announced his party's withdrawal from the Ancestral Alliance, saying, "supporting the government was not part of our plan," raising the possibility that the Ancestral Alliance may support Erdoğan in the second round.
In the first round of the presidential election, Sinan Oğan, the candidate of the nationalist Ancestral Alliance, unexpectedly secured a little over 5% of the votes. As a result, neither incumbent Erdoğan nor CHP leader Kılıçdaroğlu managed to reach the necessary 50% threshold, forcing a runoff.
Therefore, Oğan's constituency is potentially decisive in next week's second round (May 28).
Kılıçdaroğlu's photo removed and name substituted with 'other candidate' on AHaber Program
Presidential candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu was censored during a program on AHaber, a government-affiliated channel, where AKP Vice Chairperson Ali İhsan Yavuz appeared as a guest.
In the displayed ballot paper for the second round of the presidential election, incumbent and AKP candidate Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's name and face were shown, while oppositional contender Kılıçdaroğlu's photo and name were replaced with the text 'other candidate' underneath.
MAY 20
President Erdoğan promises rapid recovery in Adıyaman during visit
During a visit today (May 20) to the February 6 earthquake-stricken city of Adıyaman, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the priority of swiftly erasing the effects of the tremors.
He expressed that the government has been actively engaged in the region, addressing the needs and demands of the citizens.
The incumbent acknowledged the initial shortcomings but highlighted the state's commitment to compensating for losses and restoring the city.
He also assured replacing collapsed and damaged structures with stronger, more resilient buildings. The President concluded by affirming their dedication to fulfilling all promises without pause.
In the months after the disaster, the AKP chair pledged to construct 650,000 new homes in the earthquake-affected area and committed to delivering 319,000 homes within a year.
These statements and plans have been met with skepticism from critics, who point out, amongst others, the government's history of utilizing post-disaster reconstruction as a means of generating profit and promoting gentrification, such as in Van after the 2011 earthquake and Diyarbakır following conflicts between Turkey's military forces and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in 2015-16.
Hatay CHP Deputy highlights February 6 earthquake victims' misery ahead of May 28 elections
CHP Hatay Deputy Mehmet Güzelmansur shared images today of earthquake-stricken citizens waiting in line for flour and water in Gümüşgöze, a district of Hatay.
"The government promised to rebuild the earthquake-affected areas, but where is the rebuilding? There is no rebuilding, only misery," CHP member Güzelmansur expresses.
"Since the morning, people have been enduring queues and stampedes to get two liters of water and five kilograms of flour. Unfortunately, those who have suffered from the earthquake, whose homes have been destroyed, are now dependent on five kilograms of flour and five liters of water," the politician hailing from Antakya states, adding the slogan of CHP's runoff campaign "Decide" to his post.
Hatay is generally considered one of the provinces most heavily struck by the disastrous February 6 earthquakes. The tremblors pulverized substantial swathes of southern Turkey and northern parts of Syria. Government figures indicate that over 50,000 people died in Turkey alone.
While the state received severe criticism over its handling of the catastrophe, people largely came out in support of incumbent Erdoğan in the disaster zone.
Already 241,874 voters abroad made their way to the polling stations for the runoff
Today (May 20), citizens of Turkey living abroad can vote for the second round of the presidential election scheduled for May 28.
The Supreme Election Council (YSK) set up ballot boxes at 167 locations across 73 countries.
Already a total of 241,874 people cast their votes abroad by 17:00 today, the YSK announced.
Among these overseas voters, 229,916 individuals voted at diplomatic missions, while 11,958 voters exercised their right to vote at customs gates.
The voting period will continue until May 24 at representative offices and until May 28 at customs gates.
From the constituency of over 3 million people living outside Turkey's borders, an unprecedented number of 1.8 million people cast their ballots during the parliamentary and first round of the presidential elections.
MAY 19
Electoral body announces final results of presidential election
The Supreme Electoral Council (YSK) has announced the final results of the presidential elections held on May 14.
Accordingly, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received 49.52%, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu 44.88%, Sinan Oğan 5.17%, and Muharrem İnce 0.43% of the votes cast for the presidency.
The voter turnout was 87,04%, with 1,037,104 invalid votes, according to the statement.
Erdoğan meets Oğan
Shortly after Kılıçdaroğlu's meeting with Özdağ, President Erdoğan met Sinan Oğan, candidate of the Ancestral Alliance, in İstanbul. No statement was made to the press after the one-hour meeting.
After receiving more than 5 percent of the votes in the first round, Oğan expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations with the two contenders to offer his support in the runoff.
Earlier, Erdoğan had told CNN International that "I don't like negotiating like that."
Kılıçdaroğlu meets far-right leader, seeking support in second round
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu met Ümit Özdağ, head of the Victory (Zafer) Party, the main party of the Ancestral Alliance, whose candidate, Sinan Oğan, obtained over 5 percent of the votes in the first round, making him a potential key player in the runoff to be held on May 28.
The leaders spoke to reporters after the meeting, with Kılıçdaroğlu saying, "We made a very productive meeting ... He asked me some questions and I informed him in detail as far as I can. Turkey needs democracy. Dear president will be talking to his colleagues. We have communicated our views in detail."
Özdağ remarked, "We had some questions and we addressed them. We will be making our evaluations in our authorized bodies in the framework of the answers we got. We had made some evaluations with the presidents of the other political parties that make the ATA Alliance and with Sinan Oğan before this meeting, and we will be making an evaluation again after. We will share our views with the public soon after."
Interior minister accuses civic participation group of involvement in "foreign interference" in elections
Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, known for his repeated accusations against individuals and organizations, has implied on the government-affiliated channel TGRT that the civic participation organization Oy ve Ötesi (Vote and Beyond) is involved in foreign intervention.
During an interview, Soylu mentioned a conversation with the Hungarian Interior Minister where the latter allegedly stated, "The USA and Soros intervened in our elections." Soylu, who formerly chaired the Democrat Party, claimed that Oy ve Ötesi received 1.3 million lira in aid in 2023 through the Swedish consulate.
Earlier in the week, the Minister also accused the manager of KONDA, one of Turkey's leading polling agencies, of being an "influence spy." Soylu went on to claim the existence of a "pollster mafia" operating within the country.
It is worth noting that many pollsters failed to accurately predict President Erdoğan's strong performance in the May 14 elections.
İstanbul mayor may be dismissed after runoff, AKP official implies
İmamoğlu, who was nominated as a vice presidential candidate by Kılıçdaroğlu, was given a prison sentence in December. He will be banned from politics for five years if the verdict is upheld.
The ruling AKP's spokesperson at the İstanbul Municipal Council tweeted, "The file concerning the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and its administration has become quite extensive. Once the elections are over, we will address it specifically. We kindly request your patience."
Main electoral body rejects objection to Gergerlioğlu's parliament membership
The Supreme Election Board (YSK) dismissed the objections raised by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) against the election of the Kocaeli parliamentary member Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu from the Green Left Party (YSP), who previously received a prison sentence for "propagandizing for a terrorist organization."
However, the Constitutional Court reviewed Gergerlioğlu's application in 2021 and ruled that his rights to be elected, engage in political activities, and personal liberty and security were violated.
According to unofficial May 14 election results, the YSP received 5.8% of the vote in Kocaeli, resulting in a seat for Gergerlioğlu.
Erdoğan calls upon citizens abroad ahead of ballot box reopening
''You have shown great support for me and the People's Alliance. You did not succumb to the attempts of terrorist organization members to intimidate you, exert pressure on you, or seize your will,'' the incumbent Erdoğan writes on his social media account this morning.
The constituency of over 3 million people living outside Turkey's borders is widely recognized as a strong support base for the AKP leader.
''I kindly request you to closely follow the election dates in your respective countries and make sure to exercise your democratic right. As representatives of our people living abroad, I expect you to defend your will again strongly,'' the AKP chair continues.
The voting process at diplomatic missions abroad and customs gates will recommence on May 20.
The ballot casting duration for the second round was initially shortened for countries where oppositional contender Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu took the lead in the first round, namely, the US, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
However, following the objection by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), the voting period was restored to five days, and will take place from May 20 to May 24.
Between April 27 and May 9, a record 1.8 million foreign voters participated in the presidential and parliamentary general elections, achieving a 53.18% turnout rate.
MAY 18
Kılıçdaroğlu's first post-May 14 presser: thanks supporters, criticizes Erdoğan, doubles down on refugees
At the CHP headquarters in Ankara, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu held his first press conference following the May 14 election results.
The presidential candidate expressed gratitude to his supporters, remarking that the message of change became evident in the first round. He furthermore denounced Erdoğan's ''campaign of lies and slander.''
In Turkey's capital, the 74-year-old former bureaucrat highlighted the significant decline in the ruling party's votes and reiterated his stance on deporting refugees, accusing the incumbent of failing to protect the nation's borders and integrity by accommodating over 10 million refugees.
The CHP leader also embraced the slogan "Decide for Turkey" for the remainder of his campaign.
YSP offers voter transport services on May 28
The Green Left Party (YSP), which includes members of the pro-Kurdish HDP, will provide voter transport services on May 28, despite not being part of any alliance in the presidential run-off.
In a talk with bianet, İlknur Birol, İstanbul HDP Co-Spokesperson, emphasized the need for change and urged all voters to make history by going to the polls.
Oppositional presidential Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who received both implicit and explicit endorsements from the YSP and influential Kurdish politicians, managed to garner significant vote shares from Kurdish-dominated provinces on May 14.
Securing their continued support in the runoff seems crucial for the CHP leader.
Kılıçdaroğlu targets refugees, asserts that Erdoğan bows to Russia in new video
In a new video released yesterday (May 17), Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the sole remaining contender against incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey's presidential race, targets refugees, criticizes the head of state's connections with Russia and his response to the February 6 earthquakes.
Ahead of the presidential run-off on May 28, the opposition leader appears to have adopted a harsher tone in his campaigning.
Erdoğan says his former allies 'conned' Kılıçdaroğlu in opposition alliance
Former Erdoğan allies who joined forces with the main opposition party gained over 30 seats in the parliament, far exceeding their actual popular support. The CHP's voting rate increased only by 3 percent compared to the 2018 elections, with the ruling People's Alliance securing a parliamentary majority.
Presidential contenders address Turkey's youth ahead of ''Youth and Sports Day''
As Turkey approaches "Youth and Sports Day" on May 19, the presidential candidates seem to scramble for the youth's support, who, with millions of first-time voters, constitute nearly 8% of the electorate.
"Dear youth, the first round is over. The profound reality is that the message of change has emerged from the ballot box. One thing is clear, in this country, those who desire change outnumber those who don't," Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu wrote on his Twitter account yesterday (May 16), adding that the situation has reached a critical point where there are openings in Turkey's parliament for those who view women as mere objects.
The CHP leader, who received 44.9% of the vote, vows to stand up for Turkey's youth, "They have dealt the biggest blow to the youth. You don't have enough money for anything. You even have to think about a cup of coffee. Your joy of life has been stolen. Whereas youth is supposed to be carefree. They haven't allowed you to experience that even for a single day," Kılıçdaroğlu continues, emphasizing that they will get out of this dark tunnel.
In a tweet today (May 17), the incumbent Erdoğan praises Turkey's youth while slamming the opposition.
"Dear young siblings, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone for standing up for your will, freely reflecting your choices in the ballot boxes, and supporting our democracy on May 14. With this exemplary attitude, which serves as an example to young people all around the world, you have once again demonstrated how justified our nation is in trusting you," the President writes, adding that they are "the apple of our eye and the guarantee of our bright future".
Nevertheless, he cautions the youth of Turkey not to let egotistical individuals discourage them.
"Please do not allow anyone to come between your dreams, discourage you, frighten you, or poison you with their own venom. Never let egotistical individuals, whose past is filled with failures and electoral defeats, drag you into their bottomless darkness. We will solve our problems and overcome difficulties together. We will share our pains and rejoice in our successes together," the AKP chair continues, further expressing that if god willing, he will enjoy more beautiful days together with all of them, voicing his trust in receiving strong support from young siblings on the day of the election.
Analysis: Parliamentary election results in more women, conservative and nationalist representation
Despite potential allegations of voter fraud and irregularities that may flip certain seats, the ruling People Alliance likely maintains a parliamentary majority with 322 representatives, while the strategy of the CHP to include members of the table of six under its list did not yield successful results.
Head of electoral body warns against misleading allegations on social media
All data regarding the vote counting was promptly shared with political parties and the results are subject to objections, the official has said.
"The images circulating on social media have no affiliation with the Supreme Electoral Council. It is essential not to give credence to baseless claims aiming to mislead the public. The process remains transparent, with the active participation of our political parties," Ahmet Yener remarked, noting that all five parties with a parliamentary group have representatives at the council.
Erdoğan criticizes opposition for blaming earthquake victims
Following the ruling alliance's significant victory in the region impacted by the February 6 earthquakes, some social media users and pro-opposition news outlets began blaming the residents of the affected areas. President Erdoğan has expressed criticism in response to these accusations.
During a joint live broadcast on CNN Türk and Kanal D late Tuesday, Erdoğan said, "They insulted a lot. Very wrong and ugly... They are threatening the earthquake-stricken region. They insult those who do not vote for them."
The president added that he plans to visit the region in the coming days.
Earlier in the day, Kılıçdaroğlu also warned his supporters to be understanding towards the quake victims.
"Please, in everything we say to the people in the earthquake-stricken region, let's think ten times before speaking once. No politics is worth breaking their hearts. Each and every citizen, especially our earthquake victims, are above any political preference for me," he tweeted.
Opposition parties raise concerns over alleged vote counting irregularities
The Green Left claims their votes were attributed to the Nationalist Movement Party, the allies of the government, whose voting rate in the country's predominantly Kurdish-populated regions were significantly higher than expected.
The main opposition CHP revealed the discrepancies between the results it obtained from ballot boxes and the official results. The parties are filing objections. No significant change expected in the distribution of the seats.
Far-right candidate says will decide who to support in runoff in a day or two
Sinan Oğan has not explicitly declared his support for Kılıçdaroğlu or Erdoğan, and demands both candidates to distance themselves from the Kurdish-focused parties that supported them.
An İstanbul court has ordered the arrest of Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Köseler and 12 others as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged bid-rigging in municipal tenders.
The Beykoz Penal Court of Peace ruled to arrest the district mayor, five municipal officials, and representatives from 15 companies that either secured or bid on municipal tenders. Five other suspects were released under judicial control after appearing before the court.
On Feb 27, Köseler and 20 others were taken into custody as part of the investigation. They were held at the İstanbul Security Directorate before being transferred to Beykoz Courthouse for questioning after a medical check-up earlier today.
After being interrogated by prosecutors, 19 suspects were referred to the Beykoz Penal Court of Peace with a request for their arrest, while prosecutors sought judicial control measures for the remaining individuals.
In January, the Beykoz Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into V.G., the municipality’s chief of staff, following bribery allegations circulated on social media.
A Labor Ministry inspection in December found that around 20 municipal employees were working without insurance. Beykoz officials claimed these workers were "volunteers."
Authorities in November began investigating 20 million liras in alleged irregular spending related to three concerts and Beykoz Anadolu Spor AŞ’s participation in TFF 2. Lig.
A Feb 2022 probe into alleged mismanagement of advertising and announcement revenues led to an initial review by the İstanbul Governor’s Office, which found no grounds for further action. The Interior Ministry later dropped the case. The municipality was run by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) before the 2024 local election.
CHP municipal council member Cemal Sataloğlu filed a criminal complaint in Nov 2021, claiming that the municipality had failed to collect advertising revenue, causing a 30 million lira loss. However, the Interior Ministry declined to assign an inspector to the case.
Investigations targeting CHP-run municipalities in İstanbul
The investigation into Beykoz Municipality comes amid a broader crackdown on CHP-run municipalities in İstanbul. In Oct 2024, Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer was arrested on charges of "membership in an armed terrorist organization" due to alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Following his arrest, he was removed from office, and İstanbul Deputy Governor Can Aksoy was appointed as a trustee mayor. Özer denied the allegations, stating that he expected his party to defend him.
In Jan 2025, prosecutors issued 47 arrest warrants as part of a corruption investigation into Beşiktaş Municipality. Among those detained was Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat, who was accused of being involved in a bribery and rigged bidding scheme. He was arrested in Balıkesir and later transferred to İstanbul, where he was formally taken into custody.
İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who declared his intention to run as the CHP's presidential candidate, is also facing prison sentences and a ban from politics on several charges, including "attempting to influence the judiciary" and "targeting counterterrorism officials."
"We want more time to live. Reduce working time to 35 hours a week!" reads the banner behind Türkmen.
Workers in Gaziantep’s Başpınar Organized Industrial Zone have been resisting against a 30% wage increase imposed by employers, demanding a salary that allows them to live with dignity.
Mehmet Türkmen, the chair of the United Textile, Weaving, and Leather Workers’ Union (BİRTEK-SEN), who has been leading the resistance, was detained twice last month. His was eventually remanded in custody on Feb 17 on charges of "inciting to commit a crime" and "violating work and labor laws."
A textile worker at nine years old
Mehmet Türkmen was born in 1978 in Antep. At just nine years old, he began working as an apprentice in carpet workshops in Ünaldı Industrial Zone. He worked as a laborer for 15 years.
As a young worker, he became involved in the union movement and participated in the 1996 Ünaldı Resistance, one of the largest labor protests in the region.
For the past 25 years, he has played an active role in numerous major strikes, resistance movements, and unionization efforts in Antep and neighboring provinces. Throughout these years, he has been detained, arrested, tried, threatened, and even dismissed from the union he represented.
Dismissed by union
While working in textile factories in Antep, Türkmen joined the Labor Party (EMEP) in 2000.
Between 2010 and 2013, he worked as an organizing specialist for two major unions: DİSK Textile Workers’ Union and later the Petrol-İş Union’s Antep branch.
In Sep 2019, Türkmen was appointed regional representative of DİSK Textile Workers' Union. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he spoke out against exploitation and labor rights violations. After he exposed how workers were being forced to work in factories despite the pandemic, a local newspaper targeted him, accusing him of provocation. Following the workers' protests, the factory mentioned in his social media posts was forced to halt production for 15 days.
On Apr 3, 2020, after an employer complaint, he was detained from his home at midnight on charges of "inciting hatred and hostility among the public." The prosecutor’s office released him without referring him to court.
His tenure as DİSK Textile Workers' Union representative lasted two years. In Nov 2021, the union dismissed him without informing him beforehand, later citing "incompatibility in work approach" as the reason.
Türkmen, however, revealed that his dismissal was a condition set by the Uğur textile company to sign a collective labor agreement. He criticized DİSK’s leadership, but the union remained silent.
In Dec 2021, Nesin Publishing House awarded Türkmen the "Aziz Nesin Scandal Award" for this incident.
After Türkmen was expelled from DİSK, textile workers in the Başpınar Organized Industrial Zone established the United Textile, Weaving, and Leather Workers’ Union (BİRTEK-SEN) in 2022. At its first general assembly, they elected Türkmen as president. The union was officially founded on February 10, 2022.
Dozens of protests in two and a half years
Since its founding three years ago, BİRTEK-SEN has been at the forefront of textile workers' struggles. Throughout this period, Türkmen has faced intimidation, pressure, and threats.
On Jan 11, 2022, he was detained following a complaint from Uğur Textile management. On Feb 7, 2022, after visiting workers protesting at Şireci Textile, he was threatened by Murat Mutlu Aslan, who introduced himself as the nephew of Ahmet Şireci.
After the Feb 2023 earthquakes, Türkmen was summoned for questioning for allegedly "publicly spreading misleading information" when he stated that employers were forcing workers to continue working despite aftershocks in Defne.
On Aug 12, 2023, he supported Şireci textile company workers who attempted to march from Başpınar to the city center. Following a complaint by the company owner, Ahmet Şireci, he was detained but later released after giving his statement. He then filed a complaint against Ahmet Şireci for obstructing union activities and violating the constitutional right to assembly and protest. However, no legal action has been taken on his complaint in the past two and a half years.
Targeted by employers
In Nov 2023, 450 workers at Özak textile company in Urfa, a factory producing for international brands like Levi’s, Zara, and Hugo Boss, resigned from their union and joined BİRTEK-SEN.
On Nov 27, Özak workers staged a walkout to protest the dismissal of seven workers over their decision to switch unions. On the 10th and 15th days of the protest, gendarmerie forces intervened as workers attempted to march to the factory. On Dec 6, they detained 22 people, including Türkmen. On Dec 11, another 92 workers were taken into custody.
Türkmen was referred to court with a request for his arrest but was released under judicial control along with three union executives and four Özak workers.
Following the union struggle at Özak, the Labor and Social Security Ministry imposed a fine of 1,4 million Turkish liras on BİRTEK-SEN, claiming the union exerted "pressure on workers," charging the union 5,421 liras per worker.
Arrested without even being questioned
At the start of 2025, textile workers in the Başpınar Organized Industrial Zone in Antep launched a strike demanding better working conditions.
Once again, Türkmen and BİRTEK-SEN were at the forefront of the movement.
In response to the workers’ protests against low wage increases, the Gaziantep Governor’s Office issued a ban on demonstrations. Police conducted a midnight raid on the workers’ tents, removing them from the protest site.
As the resistance continued, Türkmen was detained on Feb 14 while leaving his home. He was held for seven hours before being released. When releasing him, law enforcement officials claimed that he hadn't been taken into custody officially.
Meanwhile, a rally planned by the workers in support of Türkmen was blocked by security forces.
The following day, on Feb 15, Gaziantep Police detained Türkmen again, this time inside the union building. Without even taking his statement, they sent him directly to the Criminal Judgeship of Peace, where he was formally arrested on charges of "violating the freedom to work" and "inciting to commit a crime." He was sent to prison.
When Gaziantep Bar Association President Bülent Duran and a group of lawyers tried to attend his hearing, they were denied entry. Later, an appeal against Türkmen’s detention was rejected.
In addiditon to rights and labor groups in Turkey, many international groups also issued statements of solidarity with Türkmen.
Emphasizing solidarity
Just days before his arrest, Türkmen spoke to bianet, stressing the importance of worker solidarity: "It’s impossible to win all demands in a single factory. Employers act in an incredibly organized manner. Workers need to unite under a common umbrella. The only way to achieve this is through union organization.
"As BİRTEK-SEN, we are not yet organized in most factories, but we are still working to help workers act together. The demands they have put forward can only be won if they stand together. We are struggling to cover basic needs like tents and food, which is why we repeat our call for solidarity." (ABY/HA/VK)
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