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Turkish leader confirms decision to hold general election on May 14

Recep Tayyip Erdogan noted that opposition members "visited earthquake-stricken areas to pose in front of cameras" and "were concerned about their property, while [the authorities] were taking care of the people"
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan  Vladimir Smirnov/TASS
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
© Vladimir Smirnov/TASS

ANKARA, March 1. /TASS/. Turkey will hold its general election on May 14, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an address to the country’s parliament on Wednesday.

"Our nation will do what is necessary on May 14," he said in response to the opposition’s criticism of his government.

Erdogan pointed out earlier that May 14 was the best date for the election.

The Turkish leader noted that opposition members "visited earthquake-stricken areas to pose in front of cameras" and "were concerned about their property, while [the authorities] were taking care of the people." He added that his administration "maintains records" of the activities of opposition politicians, which "will be made public in due course."

Earlier, Erdogan announced plans to reschedule the general election from June 18, the deadline established by the law, to May 14 in order to hold the vote before the summer season of holidays and university exams. He is expected to officially announce the final date on March 10-11. The date can be approved by the country’s parliament or through a presidential decree.