Turkey's main opposition parties formalize İhsanoğlu's candidacy for presidency

Turkey's two main opposition parties on June 29 formally backed a figure known as a devout Muslim to challenge an expected bid for the presidency by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who heads the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). 

The Republican People's Party (CHP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) submitted a joint application to parliament to nominate Ekmeleddin Ihsanoğlu, an academic and former head of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as their candidate in August presidential elections.

In a televised meeting with Parliament Speaker Cemil Çiçek, senior opposition lawmakers submitted the signatures making Ihsanoğlu the first candidate to formally enter the presidential race.

Submitting the petition, CHP parliamentary group deputy chair Engin Altay said their nominee was not a reflection of a particular group, understanding or ideological approach, but a candidate for whom the citizens would vote for peace in confidence for the protection of their rights.

His counterpart from the MHP, Oktay Vural, said their nomination was an invitation for peace, unity and honesty. “We believe Mr. Ä°hsanoğlu will conduct this assignment in an understanding of embracing democracy, rule of law and freedom,” he added. 

Erdoğan's name is widely expected to be unveiled on July 2 as his party's candidate for Turkey's first democratic presidential vote on August 10.

The main opposition parties delivered a big surprise earlier this month by throwing their support behind Ihsanoğlu, a little-known figure tasked with winning votes from the AKP's traditionally pious electorate.

The decision to back a political novice, seen by many as conservative and...