AKP

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shaking hands with former presidential candidate of the ATA Alliance, Sinan Ogan (L) in Istanbul. 19 May 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/PRESIDENT PRESS OFFICE HANDOUT

"I will support President Erdogan in the second round and I call on our supporters to vote for People's Alliance's candidate Erdogan," Ogan said on Monday.

Members of Turkey's parliament meet at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, TBMM, in Ankara, 2 January 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/STR

The 600-seat parliament will have 16 political parties thanks to the political alliance system that was introduced by the executive presidential system in 2018.

• More than 64 million Turkish citizens are eligible to vote in the polls. They will choose between three presidential candidates and 36 parties in 87 electoral districts.
• Voters will decide the fate of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party, AKP as they face a united democratic opposition.

The Twitter logo is seen on a smartphone held beside a Turkish flag. Photo: EPA/Karl-Josef Hildenbrand

"The Turkish government has accelerated its efforts to enforce censorship and tighten control over social media and independent online news sites ahead of this election," said Deborah Brown, senior technology researcher at Human Rights Watch.

Imamoglu speaks to the crowd in Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Photo: Istanbul Municipality

A woman shows her child a picture of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, 18 January 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/ERDEM SAHIN

"We categorically reject such baseless claims regarding President Erdogan's health," Fahrettin Altun, President of the Communications Directorate under the Presidency, wrote on Wednesday night.

Main opposition Republican People's Party CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairperson Canan Kaftancioglu (C) speaks to her supporters in Istanbul, 6 September, 2019. Photo: EPA-EFE/SERPIL GEDIK

Photo Illustration: Pinho/Unsplash

"The RTUK made it clear in today's meeting that it aims to bring critical broadcasters in line before the election," Tasci wrote on Twitter.

With nearly two months to go to the polls, the political parties have started to receive applications for those who want to run for the 600-seat parliament.

A drone shot of collapsed buildings after an earthquake in Hatay, Turkey, 7 February 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/ERDEM SAHIN