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© Reuters. Ballots with pictures of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and presidential candidate of Turkey’s main opposition alliance Kemal Kilicdaroglu are pictured at a polling station during the second round of the presidential election in Istanbul, Turkey May 28,
By Huseyin Hayatsever and Burcu Karakas
ANKARA/ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Here are some views from Turkish citizens as the country voted on Sunday in an election runoff that may extend President Tayyip Erdogan’s rule into a third decade or see a transfer of power to his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
In the capital Ankara:
“We all see what has happened over the past 20 years. We all see how our country changed. Nobody can deny this,” said housewife Songul Aslan, 45, after voting for Erdogan.
“I voted for our country to continue improving, getting better in every aspect. Economic hardships are there, but they are solvable issues. Turkey can overcome anything as long as we stand strong.”
Gulcan Demiroz, 32, said she hoped the vote would bring change and that otherwise her friends would go abroad, as she and her boyfriend were considering doing, for a better life.
“This country deserves better. We need a collective of minds, not a powerful, cold, distant man who rules single handedly,” said Demiroz, who works in the textile industry, after voting for Kilicdaroglu.
“We are voting today for our children, for our grandchildren, for them to see a better future,” said 66-year-old Kemal Ustunel.
“Inflation is skyrocketing and I can’t see anyone in the current government to stop the situation. (Kilicdaroglu) has prepared his teams of wise people. God willing, he will take the country out of this pit.”
“I think it will not be easy for Kilicdaroglu, he is an honest person but not all of his choices were correct,” said Burak, 23, who voted for him after backing 3rd placed candidate Sinan Ogan in the first round on May 14. “I hope he wins and this country can breathe a little after such a long period. Otherwise I’m afraid we’ll see hard times.”
In Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul:
“Turkey became an undemocratic country. I want to see a stronger Turkey, close to the European Union. I want to live in a country that respects rule of law and ECHR (European Court of Human Rights) rulings,” said digital market specialist Sukru Ucar, 35.
“Last time I was more hopeful, but I believe change will happen. If Erdogan wins, I will consider leaving Turkey.”
“I voted for Erdogan because he is a world leader. I voted for him…
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