In a significant move aimed at challenging Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Muharram Anje, the candidate representing the opposition party, has officially announced his withdrawal from the presidential candidacy. With this decision, the race for the presidential candidate now narrows down to three contenders: Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Jamhur Ittihad, Kamal Kalich of Millat Ittihad, and Sina Awan of Ata Ittihad.
The withdrawal of Muharram Anje, previously representing the State Party, as a presidential candidate carries substantial implications, particularly for the strengthening of the opposition. Consequently, it fortifies the position of President Tayyip Erdogan’s main rivals. As the presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place on May 14, the timing of Muharram Anje’s withdrawal sets the stage for a fierce competition between Tayyip Erdoğan and the opposition.
While Anje Muharram has withdrawn as a presidential candidate, it is noteworthy that his party will actively participate in the parliamentary elections. This strategic decision by Anje reinforces the chances of Republican People’s Party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is the candidate of the six-party opposition coalition and enjoys support from other parties outside the coalition. Consequently, Anje’s withdrawal is expected to bolster the voting prospects of Kilicdaroglu.
