PodcastTurkish politicians cast votes in presidential runoff election
Turkish political party leaders have casted their votes for the second round of the presidential elections. The voting will last until 5 p.m. local time.
Duvar English
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is running for the office for the third time, on May 28 casted his for the second round of the presidential election in Istanbul's Üsküdar district.
"We are witnessing a two-round election for the first time. There are only two candidates. I believe that today's voting will end very quickly. I especially ask my citizens to participate without complacency until the last moment," Erdoğan said.
He received 49.52% of the votes in the first round.
Main opposition bloc Nation Alliance’s presidential candidate and Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu casted his vote in Arjantin Primary School in the capital Ankara.
"You will see that we will win, I trust the will of the people. Surely democracy will come to this country, freedom will come," Kılıçdaroğlu said.
He received 44.88% of the votes in the first round.
CHP's Istanbul Mayor and Nation Alliance vice presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu casted his vote in Istanbul's Beylikdüzü district.
"We were faced with terrrible slanders (during the election campaign). I wouldn't want any of these. It hurts me, I can't lie about anyone, I can't slander," İmamoğlu said.
Kılıçdaroğlu's ally, right-wing Good (İYİ) Party leader Meral Akşener casted her vote in Istanbul's Üsküdar district.
"The election is very important especially for the future of the youth. I hope it will be good for our country and our nation. May God grant us what is in our hearts," she said.