President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has indicated that the proposed June general election could now be held in May. Although these doubts are being expressed that at what time elections are possible in the regions damaged by the earthquake?
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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated on Wednesday that national elections will be held in May. However, more than 45,000 people have been killed and thousands injured in the deadly earthquake that hit the country last month. In several regions, infrastructure has been completely destroyed and repair and restoration work is underway.
“This nation will do what is necessary on May 14, God willing,” Erdogan told lawmakers from his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Wednesday.
He was referring to the parliamentary and presidential elections, which were originally scheduled to be held on June 18, but the dates have been modified due to holidays. Since last month’s devastating earthquake, there have been conflicting indications about the possible timing of presidential and parliamentary elections, with some experts suggesting they could be postponed until later this year or held as scheduled on June 18. can be done
Prior to the devastating natural disaster, President Tayyip Erdogan’s popularity had plummeted due to the rising cost of living for citizens and the continued depreciation of the Turkish currency, the lira. Criticism has also been faced.
President Erdoğan has previously said he plans to hold elections in May to avoid the June holidays. He wants to extend his rule for a third decade, but opinion polls show that the upcoming elections will present his biggest political challenge yet. Doubts were also expressed about the ability of election authorities to prepare and make logistical arrangements for voting by residents of earthquake-affected areas.
Criticism after the earthquake
Erdogan’s government is facing severe criticism due to the earthquake’s devastation and mass deaths. While lawsuits have been launched against many construction companies and contractors who built in disregard of the law, observers say the problem is much more serious.
Critics say the ruling AKP party has for years ignored builders and homeowners who built unsafe houses in violation of building codes. The government is also being accused of slowness in providing humanitarian aid to the victims after the earthquake.
What did Erdogan say?
Erdoğan acknowledged some mistakes immediately after the earthquake, but said it was due to severe cold weather and roadblocks. He, however, said on Wednesday that “all possible assistance is being provided to the survivors of the earthquake as soon as possible.” He said that the government is not resorting to any “excuse” for this.
Some observers are also questioning the ability of the election authorities to prepare and make logistical arrangements for voting in earthquake-hit areas in less than two-and-a-half months.
