Voting starts for 1.5m Turkish citizens based in Germany

ISTANBUL- About 1.5 million Turks living in Germany are expected to cast their votes as Turkey holds presidential and parliamentary Election.

The Election began on Thursday in Germany which has the highest number of Turkish citizens in diaspora.

Turkish citizens in diaspora will vote till May 9, while the main Election will hold in Turkey on May 14.

According to the Foreign Office in Berlin, 16 polling stations have been approved for the Election in Germany.

The Turkish Election authority had previously spoken of 26 locations.

In Turkey’s 2018 presidential elections, Germany was at the centre of a heated debate, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan blaming German authorities for blocking his campaign efforts in the country.

Such tension is not expected this time.

After 20 years in power, Erdoğan faces his toughest Election test yet.

Recent polls predict a neck and neck race between the incumbent and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of a mixed opposition camp of secular, conservatives and nationalists factions.

A second round between two top presidential contenders will take place on May 28 unless the May 14 poll produces a clear winner with more than 50 per cent of votes. (dpa/NAN)

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