Erdogan Jails His Main Rival in the 2023 Election - Global Research
Global ResearchMAR 28 2023
There is a lot of symbolism in Erdoğan's decision to move the national and presidential election forward to a historic date, May 14. On that day in 1950, the single-party era ended thanks to a popular vote. That election marked a new beginning for Turkey, just as Erdoğan sees this election: all the campaign focus is on which political system, vision, and leader will bring the country into the next century.
Erdoğan has brought the vote forward by a month in a bid to get rid of the opposition, possibly forever, as the upcoming national election could be the last chance for them to prevent the country from descending into a personalist regime. While polls indicate a tight race, the "Table of Six" coalition is yet to converge around a single leader. The West should not hesitate to take bold action to help ensure that the domestic opposition gets a fair shake by considering revoking Ankara's membership in the NATO alliance.