Erdogan signals Turkey’s elections to be on May 14
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Hashim Sheikh
- . March 3, 2023
- . Update: March 3, 2023 3:50 pm
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has signalled that national elections would take place on May 14. His comments came a month after a devastating earthquake killed more than 45,000 people in Turkey.
In a speech to lawmakers from his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the Turkish President said, “This nation will do what is necessary on May 14, god willing.” He gave an apparent reference to national elections.
Earlier, the parliamentary and presidential vote was scheduled for June 18. However, it was changed to avoid a clash with holidays. After the powerful earthquake wreaked havoc in Turkey, there had been conflicting signals over the date of the national elections. Some people suggested that the election could be postponed or could be held as scheduled on June 18.
Following the deadly earthquake, Erdogan’s popularity had been eroded. He faced intense criticism over the high death toll in Turkey. Some people complained about poorly constructed buildings.
Read | Rescuers save trapped dog 23 days after Turkey earthquakes
Reportedly, many construction firms and contractors have been facing legal consequences over poorly constructed buildings. Critics have said that builders made structures of the building less safe. People also criticised the Turkish government over the government’s handling of the deadliest quake.
Erdogan also acknowledged “shortcomings” in Turkey’s response to the massive earthquake. He also blamed severe winter weather and blocked roads for the slow response to the disaster. He said, “There were shortcomings, disruptions and delays. The conditions are clear to see.”
Later on, Erdogan said that the authorities would build better buildings in place of those which collapsed.
The Turkish government also claimed that humanitarian aid was slow to arrive after the February 6 earthquake. The authorities demanded quick aid in order to help people impacted by the deadly earthquake.
Erdogan’s popularity declined even before the disaster because of soaring inflation and a slump in the Turkish lira.
