The Turkish opposition candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, during a speech from the headquarters of the People's Republican Party in Ankara, avoided congratulating President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on his victory. He stated: "I could not overlook your rights being violated. I cannot accept any injustice to any family. I defended your rights and your whole identity; I fought for you to live in a better future. I have a request for you: support democracy and do not lose hope."
He commented: "This was the hardest electoral test we faced; we did something great and significant. We encountered pressure, fabrication, lies, and threats, and I want to thank all the party leaders and opposition observers. I will continue to work for the aspirations of the Turkish people. I want to thank the 25 million citizens who voted for me, and I want them to remain steadfast and not despair." He concluded: "The main reason for my sadness is that Turkey's problems will persist."
