The 2023 Turkish elections will be closely watched by political enthusiasts and analysts in the EU Bubble, especially in Brussels. Here's our list of accounts that are posting in English and will provide a range of perspectives.
The upcoming presidential election, scheduled for May 14, 2023, holds significant implications for the nation’s future. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the current President, has held his position for two decades. The direction that the election takes will determine the country’s political and economic trajectory, and could have implications for Turkey’s standing on the international stage.
Criticism of Erdogan’s rule by Western nations has centred around his administration’s perceived anti-democratic actions, including the crackdown on opposition voices and the media. As a result, the election will be closely watched by international observers to determine whether the democratic process in Turkey is upheld, and whether the country is moving towards a more democratic and transparent government.
Regardless of the election’s outcome, Turkey is likely to face significant challenges in the coming years, ranging from economic instability to regional security concerns. The next president will have the responsibility to address these challenges and set the country on a path towards long-term stability and prosperity. As such, the 2023 election is of paramount importance to the future of Turkey and its people.
The leader of the opposition party (Republican People’s Party), Kemal Kilicdaroglu is perceived as the person who will lead the country in the direction of democratisation and most importantly will lead the Turkey-EU relations on a more positive dialogue if he’ll be elected.
Following experts who are posting on social media in English, including Twitter, can provide a broader and more diverse perspective of the election, helping you to understand better the positions of the candidates and their implications for Turkey’s future.
To stay up-to-date with the latest information and insights into the Turkish elections, there are several Twitter accounts that are worth following. We prepared a list of accounts that are posting in English and provide a range of perspectives, from academics and journalists to news outlets and organisations, and can help you gain a more nuanced and diverse understanding of the political situation in Turkey. Below are 11 Twitter accounts we recommend to follow.
Following experts like Kemal Kirisci and Asli Aydintasbas will provide an analysis that connects the present political landscape to Turkey’s rich history, shedding light on the significance of the centennial elections. Accounts like TRT World View or @DuvarEnglish ensure you receive up-to-date news on policy shifts and announcements that may affect EU-Turkey relations, regional stability, and the broader international community. It’s also always helpful to follow independent journalists like Güney Yıldız who offers insights into various aspects of Turkish society and politics, helping you grasp the multiple dimensions of the elections and their potential impact on Turkey and the EU.
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Hannah Lucinda Smith is the Turkey correspondent for The Times and Monocle Magazine, and she has contributed to various other renowned publications, such as WIRED, The Economist, and The Atlantic. Hannah is the author of the book “Erdogan Rising: The Battle for the Soul of Turkey,” which provides an in-depth look at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rise to power and the implications for Turkey’s future.
Kemal Kirişci is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, focusing on Turkish foreign policy, migration, and the politics of the European Union.
Nicholas Danforth is a historian and analyst with expertise in Turkish politics, history, and foreign policy. He has written extensively on these topics, offering valuable insights into Turkey’s political landscape dynamics.
Güney Yıldız is a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute, and a journalist and political analyst focusing on Turkey and the Middle East.
James in Turkey is the Twitter account of James Sawyer, a British journalist and analyst based in Istanbul. He covers Turkish politics, elections, and society.
Aslı Aydıntaşbaş is a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, focusing on Turkish politics and foreign policy, as well as the Middle East and Europe.
TRT World is Turkey’s public international news channel, broadcasting in English and providing news, analysis, and documentaries on global events with a focus on Turkey.
Hürriyet Daily News is an English-language daily newspaper in Turkey, covering local and international news, politics, business, and culture.
Duvar English is an independent news source that provides English news, analysis, and commentary on Turkey and international affairs.
Sinan Ülgen is a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe in Brussels, where his research focuses on Turkish foreign policy, nuclear policy, cyberpolicy, and transatlantic relations.
Ragıp Soylu is a journalist, Turkey Bureau Chief, based in Ankara. Previously, he was a correspondent for Turkish media outlets Daily Sabah and ATV from both Washington DC and London.
Article by Ekin Sevim.
