The Bottom Line: Kemalism Just Won’t Win

Observers question how Turkey's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, won re-election amid Western media's portrayal of corruption.

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Turkish election turnout surpasses Western democracies, contrasting with dismal turnouts in regional dictatorships lacking genuine choices.

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Media frames Turkish elections as dictator vs. democrat narrative, Kilicdaroglu portrayed as humble challenger to Erdogan.

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Kilicdaroglu, leader of the main opposition party for 13 years, consistently lost to Erdogan despite being a consensus candidate.

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Media's portrayal of Erdogan as a dictator overlooks his genuine rise from humble origins, working-class roots, and religious sincerity.

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Erdogan's enduring appeal stems from representing a historically disenfranchised constituency, despite populist undertones.

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Erdogan's mission: Restore dignity to marginalized Turkish class long scorned by elites since Ottoman Empire's westernizing reforms.

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Pre-Erdogan era barred headscarf-wearing women from education and public sector jobs, contrasting with Western states' tolerance.

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