(MENAFN) The Turkish electorate has embarked on a significant decision-making process as the nation holds a runoff election to determine the future leadership of the country. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a conservative figure, faces a formidable challenge from his liberal opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Polling stations opened at 8am local time across all 81 provinces, offering more than 60 million eligible voters the opportunity to cast their ballots and shape the political landscape of Turkey.
While the exact number of votes cast by the 3.4 million Turkish citizens abroad remains unknown, their participation in the election has been a crucial component. Over the past week, eligible voters residing outside the country had the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights. In the previous round held on May 14, voter turnout within the country reached nearly 89 percent, highlighting the strong civic engagement among Turkey’s citizens. However, the turnout abroad was recorded at a lower rate of 49.4%.
To ensure the integrity and fairness of the election process, strict regulations govern the reporting of news, forecasts, and commentary on the ongoing elections until 6pm local time. This embargo provides a neutral environment and prevents any undue influence on voters. Moreover, the announcement of official results is prohibited until 9pm. Nevertheless, due to the simplified choice between two candidates in the runoff, the Supreme Election Board may release preliminary results before the designated time. The previous round of elections faced delays and criticism from the opposition due to the complexity of the ballots, prompting expectations for a smoother and more efficient process this time.
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