The PABSEC Delegation Observed the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections in the Republic of Türkiye, 14 May 2023, Konya

On 14 May 2023 the PABSEC delegation composed of Mr. Musa Guliyev, Chairman of the PABSEC Cultural, Educational and Social Affairs Committee, member of the PABSEC Azerbaijani delegation, Mr. Ramaz Nikolaishvili, Vice-Chair of the PABSEC Technological and Environmental Affairs Committee, member of the PABSEC Georgian delegation and Mr. Asaf Hajiyev, PABSEC Secretary General, took part in the observation mission to the parliamentary and presidential elections in the Republic of Turkiye in the city of Konya.

On Election Day, May 14, 2023, the PABSEC delegation visited various polling stations in the city of Konya and noted that the preparations for the elections were in line with the standards of democratic elections. According to the PABSEC delegation, the elections were held in a calm atmosphere and were transparent. The election process was well organized and there were no violations at the polling stations. The voters’ participation was very active and the will of the people was fully expressed. The voter turnout was 87%.

As a result of the voting in the presidential elections, the current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan got 49.50% of the votes. The second place was taken by Mr. Kemal Kilicdaroglu with 44.89% of the votes. The third place was taken by Mr. Sinan Ogan with 5.17% votes. To win in the first round, one of the candidates had to receive 50% + 1 vote. According to the voting results, the second round of the presidential elections will take place on 28 May 2023 with the participation of Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Mr. Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

Also, on 14 May 2023, the parliamentary elections of the 28th convocation were held. 36 parties participated in the parliamentary elections, some of which formed alliances. The “Republican Alliance” received 49.46% of the votes (322 seats), the “People’s Alliance” - 35.02% of the votes (213 seats), and the “Labour and Freedom Alliance” - 10.54% of the votes (65 seats).