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Erdoğan promises peaceful transition if he loses Sunday's vote

13 May 2023 05:20pm
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gestures as he addresses a speech during his campaign rally in the Sultangazi district of Istanbul, on May 12, 2023. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepared to meet his hardcore supporters on May 12, 2023 to showcase enduring strength in the face of his toughest election challenge of his two-decade rule. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gestures as he addresses a speech during his campaign rally in the Sultangazi district of Istanbul, on May 12, 2023. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepared to meet his hardcore supporters on May 12, 2023 to showcase enduring strength in the face of his toughest election challenge of his two-decade rule. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)
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ISTANBUL, Turkey - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan says he will accept Sunday's 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 Turkey... If our nation decides otherwise, I will do what democracy requires, there is nothing else to do," Erdoğan said on television late Friday in reaction to the question whether he will cling to power.

His bloc will respect "any results coming out the ballot box," Erdoğan added.

If the the opposition is concerned about electoral safety, they should monitor all polling stations and "ensure safety" just as Erdoğan's party members do, he said.

"The will of the nation can not be compromised," Erdoğan added.

Erdoğan also argued he believes he will be re-elected for another term as well as securing a parliamentary majority on Sunday.

After 20 years at the helm of Turkey, Erdoğan 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-dpa

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
Turkey
election
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