Erdogan Re-Elected in Turkey, Signaling a Third Decade of Authoritarian Rule

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was re-elected on Sunday, according to unofficial results, in a victory that will extend his increasingly authoritarian rule into a third decade. Erdogan won 52% of the vote, compared to 48% for his challenger, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, with nearly 99% of ballot boxes opened.

The election comes as Turkey is reeling from high inflation and the aftermath of an earthquake that leveled entire cities. A third term gives Erdogan an even stronger hand domestically and internationally, and the election results will have implications far beyond Ankara.

Turkey stands at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and it plays a key role in NATO. Erdogan’s victory will likely mean a continuation of his policies of economic reform and increased military spending. It also means that Turkey will remain a key player in the Middle East, as it has been for decades.

Erdogan’s victory is a major blow to the opposition, who had hoped to unseat the long-time leader. The election was closely watched by the international community, as it could have major implications for the future of the region.