Erdogan leading presidential runoff in ballot boxes counting

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 May 2023 19:22

As of now, %91,6 of ballot boxes have been opened, with 25.138.321 of the votes administered to Erdogan and 22.641.183 to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

Election representatives count the ballots at a polling station in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, May 28, 2023 (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)

Turkish media reported on Sunday that Incumbent Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is leading the presidential race in the second round of the nation's elections, with %52,61
of the votes counted as of now, against %47,39 for his rival opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

As of now, %91,6 of ballot boxes have been opened, with 25.138.321 of the votes administered to Erdogan and 22.641.183 to Kemal.

The head of the Turkish Supreme Electoral Commission, Ahmed Yanar, said on Saturday that the commission is considering lifting the broadcasting ban on the results of the second round of the Turkish presidential election earlier after the polls are closed.

Yanar indicated that the Commission will hold a meeting after the polls close and will set a date for lifting the ban.

The official confirmed that the electoral process is proceeding without problems, adding that Turkey's first-ever presidential runoff is witnessing a high turnout.

Turkish presidential candidates Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Kemal Kilicdaroglu cast their votes simultaneously in Istanbul and Ankara respectively.