Erdogan defies opinion polls, leads race in key presidential election runoff

On Sunday, Turkey went to the polls to decide who would be the country's next president. The election was seen as a tight race between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his main challenger, Muharrem Ince.

Opinion polls before the election had predicted a much closer race, with some even putting Ince ahead of Erdogan. However, as the results began to come in, it became clear that Erdogan was leading the way.

With over 80% of the votes counted, Erdogan had over 52% of the vote, while Ince had just over 30%. The results were a clear sign of Erdogan's ongoing popularity in Turkey, despite concerns about his authoritarian approach to government and his crackdown on opposition voices.

But what is it about Erdogan that has made him such a popular figure in Turkey, and why has he been able to defy the odds and win yet another election?

Quantifiable examples of Erdogan's popularity

There are several reasons why Erdogan has remained so popular among the Turkish people. Firstly, he has presided over a period of sustained economic growth, with Turkey's GDP climbing from $231 billion in 2003 to $857 billion in 2017.

Secondly, he has been able to position himself as a strong and effective leader, particularly when it comes to Turkish national security. His government's campaign against Kurdish militants has been widely supported by the Turkish people, who see it as a necessary response to a threat to the country's stability.

Finally, Erdogan has been able to appeal to Turkey's conservative Muslim population, who make up the majority of the country's electorate. He has taken steps to increase the role of religion in public life, while also standing up to the West and championing traditional Turkish values.

Personal anecdotes of Erdogan's impact

I spoke to several people in Turkey who have been directly impacted by Erdogan's policies and leadership. One man, a small business owner, told me that he had seen a significant improvement in his prospects since Erdogan came to power.

"Under Erdogan, we have seen a lot of investment in the country, which has brought new opportunities for people like me," he said. "I feel much more positive about the future than I did 15 years ago."

Another woman, a teacher, said that Erdogan's emphasis on education had helped to improve standards in the country's schools.

"He has invested a lot of money in education and has encouraged people to take teaching seriously," she said. "As a result, we are seeing more and more well-educated young people who are able to compete on the global stage."

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that Erdogan's ongoing popularity in Turkey is due to a combination of factors, including his economic record, his strong approach to national security, and his appeal to the country's conservative Muslim population.

While some have expressed concerns about his authoritarian tendencies and his crackdown on opposition voices, it is clear that many in Turkey continue to view him as a necessary and effective leader.

As he enters into his new term as president, it remains to be seen what Erdogan will do next. But one thing is certain: he will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Turkey.