Erdogan is expected to retain power for a third decade following Turkey’s election runoff

Erdogan, 69, defied surveys and defeated Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the first round on May 14 with a lead of roughly five points.On Sunday, Turks participated in a presidential runoff election that might see Tayyip Erdogan continue Turkey’s increasingly authoritarian course, aggressive foreign policy, and unconventional economic governance for a third decade.Erdogan, 69, defied surveys and defeated Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the first round on May 14 with a lead of roughly five points. However, he almost missed the required 50% to avoid a runoff in a contest that would have had a significant impact on both Turkish geopolitics and international politics.

The seasoned campaigner who claims a vote for him is a vote for stability was encouraged by his unexpectedly excellent performance in the midst of a severe cost of living crisis and a victory in parliamentary elections for a coalition of his conservative Islamist-rooted AK Party (AKP), the nationalist MHP, and others.After opening at 8 a.m. (0500 GMT), the polls closed at 5 p.m. (1400 GMT). By early evening local time, it is anticipated that the result will begin to become obvious. Compared to two weeks ago, when turnout was 89%, polling areas apparently saw lower turnout.