Shortly before the Turkish elections on May 14, candidate Muharrem İnce surprisingly withdrew from the race. That should shake up the public image tremendously.
FRANKFURT – Shortly before the 2023 Turkish elections on Sunday (May 14), Memleket (Homeland Party) leader Muharrem Ince withdrew his candidacy. He was seen as an alternative to opposition candidate and CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. There is now a debate in Turkey about how this development will affect the elections and whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will benefit from it.
Turkish elections 2023: Ence withdraws his candidacy
“I am withdrawing my candidacy,” Ince told Memleket party headquarters on Thursday (May 11). Previously, he had to postpone several campaign appearances due to health issues. Criticism of the opposition under Kilicdaroglu can be heard in his statements. According to Ince, he accused Erdoğan of paying him. “They said that I will do my job, that minors are paid, and therefore I cannot withdraw from the race,” said the former politician from the CHP.
“Now I want to address those who have expressed such shame,” said Ince, announcing his retirement from racing. His next words about the opposition under Kilicdaroglu were harsh: “After they lose the elections, they will blame us, and now we will take their excuses. (For defeat, editor’s note) far.”
Türkiye Elections 2023: A decision in the first round after Ence’s withdrawal?
Now there is speculation about whether voters will turn to Ince Erdogan or Kilicdaroglu. Memleket’s supporters are divided on social media. The withdrawal of Ennis also increases the likelihood of the election being decided in the first round. If the fourth candidate, Sinan Ogan, withdraws, this will be secured. “According to my information, Mr. Ogan can also resign,” Turkish journalist Ismail Saymaz of the opposition Halk TV said shortly after Ince’s statement. (BB)
