Following the devastating earthquake in February, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that there would be no poll delays and that the vote would take place on May 14.
“(Turkish) people will do what is necessary on May 14,” he told his ruling party lawmakers in the parliament in Ankara.
The Turkish president had earlier suggested holding the crucial vote, which could extend the rule of his Islamic-based government through 2028, on May 14.
However, there had been doubts about whether that ballot could proceed as scheduled after the enormous earthquake that left more than 45,000 people dead in Turkey.
A three-month state of emergency in 11 earthquake-affected regions has been proclaimed by Erdogan. Strong tremors are still present in the area, making it highly unlikely that any elections will be held there.
