As Turkey votes today in the second round of the presidential election, which is a real opportunity to extend the presidential term of Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a third decade or to bring opposition candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to power, citizens expressed their opinions and expectations in an interview with Reuters.

From Ankara

“Let’s look at what has happened in the last 20 years. Let’s see how the country has changed. No one can deny that,” Songul Aslan, 45, said after voting for Erdogan.

“I voted for our country to continue to improve and become better in every way. Financial difficulties exist, but these are problems that have a solution. Türkiye can overcome everything as long as we remain strong,” she added.

From Istanbul

“Türkiye has become an anti-democratic country. I want to see a stronger Turkey close to the European Union. I want to live in a country that respects the laws, as well as the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights,” said 35-year-old digital market expert Sukru Ukar.

“Last time I had more hopes, but I believe that change can happen. If Erdogan wins, I will consider leaving Turkey.”

“I voted for Erdogan because he is a world leader. I voted for him because I appreciate what he has done for Turkey. Change the healthcare system for the better. He built roads,” said 58-year-old worker Ömer Kosekol.

From Diyabakir

“In the first round, I voted for Kılıçdaroğlu to be elected president. But this time, Erdoğan’s party has a majority in parliament. If Kılıçdaroğlu is elected, it will be difficult for the parliament to function,” Mahmut Chin, 29, said.

“This time I voted for Erdogan for stability so that there are no problems between the parliament and the president.”

Source: Reuters, APE-MPE.