Anakara, March 01 (QNA) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country’s presidential elections will be held in mid-May, accusing the opposition of exploiting the earthquake disaster.

Erdogan said in a speech during his party’s ruling parliamentary block meeting that the Turkish people will make their decision on May 14, and will respond to the opposition that is exploiting the earthquake disaster.

The Turkish President acknowledged that there has been some delay in dealing with the earthquake, however stressed that the matter has been remedied and that the reconstruction process will begin as soon as possible.

Erdogan stressed that the only item on the government’s agenda currently is dealing with the earthquake and its effects, adding the difference between his party and the opposition, is that his party cares for lives, whereas the opposition only cares about money and economic losses.

An expanded committee of Turkiye’s Supreme Election Council began examining the areas affected by the earthquake, as well as considering locations and mechanisms in which those affected by the earthquake could vote in their affected provinces, in order to ensure the security and safety of the electoral process inside the camps and other locations sheltering those affected by the earthquake.

The presidential elections were scheduled on June 18, before Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke about the possibility of holding elections at an earlier date, following a proposal made by the ruling Justice and Development Party, given that the month of June coincides with the start of university exams, student holidays, holiday season, as well as the Hajj season.

Later, Erdogan indicated in January that he will sign on march 10, a decree to hold elections in May.

Early February, the Turkish President indicated that there was no obstacle to his candidacy once again for these coming elections. (QNA)

Source: Qatar News Agency