The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has signalled
that national elections would take place on May 14. His comments came a month
after a devastating earthquake killed more than 45,000 people in Turkey.
In a speech to lawmakers from his ruling Justice and
Development Party (AKP), the Turkish President said, "This nation will do
what is necessary on May 14, god willing.” He gave an apparent reference to
national elections.
Earlier, the parliamentary and presidential vote was
scheduled for June 18. However, it was changed to avoid a clash with holidays.
After the powerful earthquake wreaked havoc in Turkey, there had been
conflicting signals over the date of the national elections. Some people
suggested that the election could be postponed or could be held as scheduled on
June 18.
Following the deadly earthquake, Erdogan's popularity had
been eroded. He faced intense criticism over the high death toll in Turkey.
Some people complained about poorly constructed buildings.
Reportedly, many construction firms and contractors have
been facing legal consequences over poorly constructed buildings. Critics have
said that builders made structures of the building less safe. People also
criticised the Turkish government over the government's handling of the
deadliest quake.
Erdogan also acknowledged “shortcomings” in Turkey’s
response to the massive earthquake. He also blamed severe winter weather and
blocked roads for the slow response to the disaster. He said, “There were
shortcomings, disruptions and delays. The conditions are clear to see.”
Later on, Erdogan said that the authorities would build
better buildings in place of those which collapsed.
The Turkish government also claimed that humanitarian aid
was slow to arrive after the February 6 earthquake. The authorities demanded
quick aid in order to help people impacted by the deadly earthquake.
Erdogan's popularity declined even before the disaster
because of soaring inflation and a slump in the Turkish lira.