Turkish president casts his vote in parliamentary elections, says high election turnout across country

ISTANBUL

AP Photo

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has cast his vote together with his wife, Emine Erdoğan, and daughter, Sümeyye Erdoğan, at the Saffet Çebi middle school in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district, where his residence is registered. 

Erdoğan told reporters after casting his vote that he observed a high turnout at the polls, called this turnout necessary for a strong democracy in the country. 

“I observe that there is a high turnout [at the polls]. Thus, this is a necessary situation for a strong democracy,” said Erdoğan June 7, while thanking the nation for their high participation. 

Erdoğan said he would follow the elections results in Istanbul, unlike former elections when he was the country’s prime minister. 

“All of the political parties have conducted a long and dense [election] marathon. Turkey is experiencing an extraordinary process. Stability continues with management that does not hold any early elections,” Erdoğan said. 

“Let us embrace bright tomorrows as a nation,” he added.