Skip to main content

Erdogan looks for first-round knockout in presidential contest

Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will use all his power to clinch a first-round victory in the presidential race on Aug. 10, which is not assured.
Supporters of Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan cheer as he declares his candidacy in Ankara July 1, 2014. Erdogan declared his candidacy on Tuesday for a more powerful presidency which rivals fear may entrench authoritarian rule and supporters, especially conservative Muslims, see as the crowning prize in his drive to reshape NATO member Turkey. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) - RTR3WLVO
Read in 

The stage for Turkey’s August presidential polls was set on July 1 when the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) formally announced its founder and chairman, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as a candidate, with the opposition contenders already announced.

The three presidential candidates, representing four parties, will compete in an imbalanced and asymmetric race, swayed by multiple variables.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.