Skip to main content

In Turkey, fears grow of Erdogan postponing elections as earthquake toll passes 30,000

As public anger over the government's earthquake response grows, speculation about the possible postponement of Turkey’s elections in May is heating up.
Turkey earthquake rubble

At least six people including three children were miraculously rescued on Monday after they spent more than a week trapped under the rubble following two devastating earthquakes in Turkey’s south, amid growing public anger and speculation over delays for the country's crucial general election.

The election is scheduled for May 14, but the massive destruction, and devastation from the earthquake could prompt the country’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to postpone it. Government critics fear that such delay will be to prevent Erdogan, who is being blamed for inadequate response in the quake aftermath, from facing an inevitable defeat in the polls. 

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.