Turkish presidential candidates and their allies voted in the second round of elections

Both candidates for the presidency of Turkey cast their votes in the second round of elections. The current leader of the republic Recep Tayyip Erdogan voted at a polling station in Istanbul, his opponent Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu — in Ankara.

The voting process was broadcast by local TV channels. Both contenders dropped their completed ballots into the ballot boxes almost at the same time.

Kılıçdaroğlu addressed his fellow citizens at the polling station, urging them to support the opposition in the elections.

“To get rid of oppression, to get rid of the authoritarian regime, so that real freedom and democracy come to this country, I invite all our citizens to the polls,” he said.

Erdogan, in turn, noted that in the first round of elections, the Turkish people showed an example of democracy. The politician expressed hope for a high turnout at the polling stations in the second round.

“For the first time we are witnessing the presidential elections, which are held in two rounds. I believe that today’s voting will end very quickly,” he said.

Also, a participant in the first round of elections, an ex-candidate from the ATA coalition, gave his vote Sinan Ogan, who, on the eve of the second round, expressed support for Erdogan. Supporters of the candidates also visited the polling stations, in particular, the head of the opposition Good Party Meral Aksheneran ally of Kılıçdaroğlu in the “Republican People’s Party” Mansur YavashForeign Minister of Turkey Mevlut Cavusogluleader of the “Nationalist Movement Party” loyal to Erdogan Devlet Bahceli.

The first round of presidential elections in Turkey took place on May 14. The turnout in the republic was 87%, abroad – 52%. The incumbent president was supported by 49.52% of citizens, Kemal Kılıçdaroglu – 44.88%, 5.17% voted for Sinan Ogan. None of the candidates received 50% of the votes necessary for victory, so the elections went to the second round.