• 

The Turkish opposition has once again stated its willingness to boost relations with Russia if their Presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu emerges victorious in today's run-off elections, Istanbul Mayor and a candidate to take up the Vice President position Ekrem Imamoglu stated on Sunday.

"The slogan of the founder of the Republic of Turkey [Mustafa Kemal Ataturk] was 'peace at home is peace in the world.' We would like to share this slogan first of all with Russia, because the Russian Federation as our sea neighbor is one of the most important countries in terms of population and opportunities. We would like to have smooth relations not only with Russia but also with our other neighbors," Istablul's Mayor highlighted at a polling station in Intsanbul's Beylikduzu district, adding that his coalition "will certainly be taking into account Turkey's interests."

The official also pointed to the opposition's determination to set up the necessary foundations for cooperation between the two countries as he underlined that Turkey, in the case of Kilidaroglu's victory on May 28, is not looking to take hostile action against anyone.

The presidential candidate has previously accused Russia of interfering in the proceedings of the Turkish election, however, his claims were downplayed by Oguz Salici, the deputy leader of Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP), who told Sputnik that the party seeks to improve ties with Moscow a few days after the Presidential candidate's shocking tweets.

#Turkish presidential candidates Recep Tayyip #Erdogan and Kemal #Kilicdaroglu cast their votes simultaneously in #Istanbul and #Ankara respectively. #TurkeyElections pic.twitter.com/lMTAAxL0Is

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 28, 2023

Both parties confident in winning

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

After casting his vote in Istanbul, Erdogan said he believed the voting process will end quickly and smoothly, calling on Turkish citizens to cast their votes in the presidential runoff and show no complacency.

The incumbent President said the turnout exceeded 90% in the first round, which is an important indicator of Turkey's democracy.

#Turkish President Tayyip #Erdogan gave out money to supporters gathered outside of the polling station where he cast his vote in the presidential election runoff. Erdogan gave bank notes worth 200 liras (approx 10 US dollars) each.

The move has become a tradition for Erdogan,… pic.twitter.com/UkNrn4Y8CB

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 28, 2023

On his part, Kilicdaroglu said that "democracy shall prevail after these elections."

"In order to get rid of this authoritarian regime... I invite all my citizens to cast their ballot," Kilicdaroglu said after casting his vote in Ankara.

Imamoglu stated after casting his vote in one of the country's polling stations that "we have to engage in dialogue with each other and not be in a state of conflict."

The Mayor expressed confidence that the opposition's presidential candidate "Kemal Kilicdaroglu will be our president tonight."

First ever runoff elections in Turkey

Polls opened at 8 am local time, and the process ends at 5 pm local time, while results are expected to be announced a few hours after polls close.

Polling stations outside Turkey on Wednesday closed after Turkish expatriates took part in the presidential runoff, while the process is underway at the border points until the afternoon. 

On May 14, no presidential candidate ensured 50%+1 of the vote in the first round of the elections.

Turkey started on Saturday its electoral silence as campaigns for all parties were concluded.

More than 191,000 ballot boxes are set up in 973 districts and 1,094 electoral boards across the country.

Read more: Eyeing win, Turkish opposition stokes anti-immigrant views in campaign.