There are several bad scenarios if Erdogan loses election – international expert Danylov

Deputy Director of the Center for Middle East Studies Serhiy Danylov said this on Espreso TV. 

“I can draw a few bad scenarios. Kılıçdaroğlu wins - Russia starts destabilizing. For example, a series of terrorist attacks, the refusal of a part of the apparatus that is loyal to Erdoğan to follow orders or sabotage. Rallies - Erdoğan is able to mobilize his electorate to resist. Internal political destabilization, close to elements of civil war,” he said.

The expert added that Turkey is currently experiencing a very strong divide along the lines of different identities. 

“That's why Kılıçdaroğlu talks about inclusiveness - that they are all Turks, regardless of who they vote for. This is very similar to Biden's arrival after Trump - the structural elements are similar. This is the scenario. There is another one: Erdoğan's entourage has already said that the opposition's victory would be tantamount to a coup d'etat. They will not recognize the election, declare it an anti-Muslim rebellion, and mobilize their supporters. They will remain in de facto power and have control over the security forces,” Danylov summarized.

• According to the latest poll, current Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is more than five percentage points behind his main rival Kerem Kılıçdaroğlu ahead of the presidential election on Sunday. According to the poll, Erdoğan is supported by 43.7% and Kılıçdaroğlu by 49.3%. This situation means that the winner will be determined in the second round, which is scheduled for May 28.