ISTANBUL, May 13 — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he will accept Sunday’s (May 14) vote result and step down if he loses, refuting concerns that he may not leave power, reported the German Press Agency (dpa).
“A very ridiculous question … We come to power through democratic means in Turkiye … If our nation decides otherwise, I will do what democracy requires, there is nothing else to do,” Erdogan said on television late Friday (May 12) in reaction to the question whether he will cling to power.
His bloc will respect ‘any results coming out the ballot box,’ he added.
If the opposition is concerned about electoral safety, they should monitor all polling stations and “ensure safety” just as Erdogan’s party members do, he said.
“The will of the nation can not be compromised,” he said.
Erdogan also argued he believes he will be re-elected for another term, as well as secure a parliamentary majority on Sunday.
After 20 years at the helm of Turkiye, Erdogan faces his toughest election test amid public resentment over economic troubles, the handling of the major February earthquakes and around 3.5 million Syrian refugees.
A united opposition candidate, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, is polling slightly ahead.
— Bernama
