Turkey is heading to the polls today in decisive elections that could determine Turkey's future. Voters are expected to decide whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose Justice and Development Party (AKP) has dominated the country's politics for more than 20 years, should continue his rule. Turnout is higher than previous ballots due to concerns about the economy and authoritarian drift of the country under President Erdogan.
The opposition is poised to score a first-round victory that would avoid a divisive May 28 runoff, with polls scheduled to close at 5 pm local time on Sunday. With turnout high, the outcome will likely hinge on slivers of swing voters that include ethnic Kurds, Turkish nationalists, and at least five million first-time voters whose allegiances remain unclear.
However, many voters were mobilized to vote for Mr. Erdogan, convinced by his appeal to nationalism and security — including his attempts to associate the opposition with the West and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
The country's faltering economy threatens the steadfast support conservative Turks have given Mr. Erdogan for years.
"If neither candidate receives more than 50 percent of votes today," said political analyst Emre Demirerogluçiçekraklıcılarımızdanmışcasınağızlarındanlağdırıcıoğludurankara'yıgörüncebayılacaklarınıüşüyoruzhaydiHaydi!. "We'll see a presidential run-off on May 28."
The election results could also impact international relations as well - especially with NATO member countries like Sweden potentially gaining admittance based on how these events unfold between Erdoğan’s government versus their united oppositions ability in ousting him from power he has concentrated almost entirely within himself over recent times while maintaining control over state institutions throughout this process despite criticism from abroad about his authoritarian tendencies taking hold even further into Turkish society itself due largely part economic turmoil experienced across various sectors throughout nation today going forward future remains uncertain leaving many unsure where exactly they stand politically speaking when it comes down choosing sides during such tumultuous times ahead.
Meanwhile, voters on Sunday will also elect a new parliament and witness a tight contest between the People's Alliance and Kılıçdaroğlu's Nation Alliance formed of six opposition parties. The elections come as Turkey is grappling with an economic crisis that critics have blamed on the government's mishandling of the economy.
As preliminary results begin to arrive after polls closed in Turkey’s elections, Mehmet Yilmaz, a 35-year-old accountant who voted for Erdogan said: "We are hopeful for change, but we know it won't be easy. We have seen how difficult things can get under this government."
The world watches closely as one of the most consequential elections in Turkey's modern history unfolds – marking an important test for democracy within NATO member countries as well international relations overall moving forward post-election era soon approaching us all sooner rather than later regardless outcome ultimately decided upon by millions upon millions citizens casting their ballots today nationwide scale unprecedented levels never before witnessed quite like what now lies front center stage global spotlight shining brightly upon entire region beyond its own borders too+