After months of denying the possibility of snap elections vehemently, the Turkish government called for early elections 16 months sooner than planned. One of the likely reasons for this decision was to curtail the time available for the opposition to prepare an effective campaign. The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) did not announce its candidate until May 4, leaving it merely 50 days on the campaign trail.
In the beginning of the election campaign, not many were hopeful of the new opposition candidate Muharrem Ince, but he and his team have been able to run a calm, positive and witty campaign that makes good use of technology and embraces a diverse public.