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Turkey holds new presidency vote | Turkey holds new presidency vote |
(10 minutes later) | |
Voting is taking place in the newly-elected Turkish parliament to choose the country's next president. | Voting is taking place in the newly-elected Turkish parliament to choose the country's next president. |
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is running again, months after his first attempt was blocked amid claims that he was a threat to the secular system. | Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is running again, months after his first attempt was blocked amid claims that he was a threat to the secular system. |
The crisis forced an election that Mr Gul's AK Party won with a landslide. | The crisis forced an election that Mr Gul's AK Party won with a landslide. |
Mr Gul is being challenged by nationalist and left-wing candidates, but is widely expected to win in the third round next week. | |
Mr Gul, who once belonged to an Islamist party, has vowed to remain loyal to the country's secular constitution if elected. | Mr Gul, who once belonged to an Islamist party, has vowed to remain loyal to the country's secular constitution if elected. |
In April, the main opposition party boycotted the presidential vote, labelling Mr Gul a threat to the secular system. | In April, the main opposition party boycotted the presidential vote, labelling Mr Gul a threat to the secular system. |
PRESIDENTIAL VOTE President chosen by 550 MPsTwo-thirds majority (367) needed to win in first or second roundSimple majority (276) needed if the contest reaches later rounds Q&A: Presidency battle Profile: Abdullah Gul Send us your comments | PRESIDENTIAL VOTE President chosen by 550 MPsTwo-thirds majority (367) needed to win in first or second roundSimple majority (276) needed if the contest reaches later rounds Q&A: Presidency battle Profile: Abdullah Gul Send us your comments |
Protesters took to the streets in protest at Mr Gul's candidacy and the military warned it was ready to step in. | Protesters took to the streets in protest at Mr Gul's candidacy and the military warned it was ready to step in. |
But since then, the AK Party has been returned to parliament with 46% of the vote. | But since then, the AK Party has been returned to parliament with 46% of the vote. |
Mr Gul says that is proof that most Turks do not believe he has an Islamic agenda. | Mr Gul says that is proof that most Turks do not believe he has an Islamic agenda. |
In the third round of voting on 28 August a candidate only needs to secure a simple majority of votes - which the AKP has - but that could herald tense times ahead, reports the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Istanbul. | |
The military will be watching for his slightest slip, and there is already furious debate because Mr Gul's wife wears the Islamic headscarf. | The military will be watching for his slightest slip, and there is already furious debate because Mr Gul's wife wears the Islamic headscarf. |
It is seen by some as a symbol of political Islam and is banned in all state institutions, including the presidential palace. | It is seen by some as a symbol of political Islam and is banned in all state institutions, including the presidential palace. |