If political analysts in Turkey are spot-on with their pre-poll observations, it appears that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pushing the envelope for a self-manufactured philosophy called ‘Tayyipism’, which is being promoted by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Tayyipism is all about Erdogan and he wants Turkey to be a manifestation of his self-serving, megalomaniacal character. Of course, there is the small matter of elections on Sunday, but in the build-up, Erdogan is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the country will yield to the subtle diktat — ‘New Turkey, New Power’ — that is already being broadcast on AKP’s election posters.
Erdogan wants to shape the country’s institutions according to his will and vision. With the AKP in power for 13 years, there are rumours of corruption coupled with social and political instability. The economy is slowing down and signs that the future governance could be authoritarian in nature have given rise to voter fatigue.
The main opposition, Republican People’s Party (CHP), under the leadership of Kemal Kilicdaroglu, is hoping for a miracle while urging the public not to be used as instruments of provocation should the AKP feel the pressure. Erdogan could win, but Turkey is in a no-win situation. The possibility of the country revolving from a parliamentary to presidential republic is foreseen. The seeds for a new Turkey have already been sown in the people’s conscience. The price of losing, however, will see Erdogan grappling with a 13-year audit trail of misdemeanours for which he will be held to account.
The Turks must now choose their future wisely.
