Istanbul: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ruled out any delay in elections after devastating quake that killed tens of thousands in Turkiye, saying vote would push ahead on May 14 as planned.

After massive 7.8-magnitude quake that killed more than 45,000 people in Turkiye, speculation mounted on whether polls which could keep Erdogan’s Islamic-rooted government in power until 2028 would be able to proceed. Last month, Erdogan declared three-month state of emergency across 11 quake-hit provinces and region is still suffering from strong tremors that make likelihood of campaigning in area extremely unlikely.

But Erdogan told his ruling party lawmakers in Ankara Parliament, “(Turkish) people will do what is necessary on May 14.” Delegation from Turkiye’s Higher Election Board started mission on Monday to quake zone to report on voters’ situation and election security. Opposition parties have criticised Erdogan’s handling of disaster and accused him of failing to prepare quake-prone country for catastrophe. “We know that some are rubbing their hands, waiting for state and government to fall under ruins,” Erdogan said. Unable to agree on candidate for more than year, Erdogan’s opponents were planning to pick name on Thursday.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 02 2023

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