Turkey’s Constitution Undergoing Revision to Allow 50%+1 Voting Majority – Bewilderment and Sporadic Eruptions of Emotion Ensue

On a joint live broadcast in Istanbul, Türkiye, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made comments concerning a potential constitutional amendment that could change the vote requirement for presidential elections. The president suggested that a step may be taken to alter the current 50%+1 vote requirement after Sunday’s elections, which would necessitate a constitutional amendment. This change would affect the political parties who are currently compelled to form alliances as a result.

Türkiye shifted to a presidential system in 2018, and Erdoğan expressed that they maintain favorable relations with both the US and Russia, as well as those with ill will in the West. The president’s comments came after opposition candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu accused Russia of interfering in the upcoming elections.

The presidential and parliamentary elections are taking place on May 14 in Türkiye. Voters will select from presidential candidates including Erdoğan, Kılıçdaroğlu, and Sinan Oğan. Ince, another presidential contender, withdrew from the race on Thursday.

Finally, when asked about concerns that he might not relinquish his hold on power following an opposition win, Erdoğan stated that he would accept any result that arises from the ballot box as “legitimate.”

Erdoğan also criticized Kilicdaroglu’s remarks on Russia, stating that he would not tolerate attacks on his country’s relationship with Russia, which is currently stronger than it is with the United States.