Voters began gathering at polling centers early on Sunday to cast their ballots in the elections that complete Turkey's transition to a new executive presidential system that was approved in a controversial referendum last year.
Turkish presidential candidate Muharrem Ince, the main challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey's June 24 presidential election, held a campaign rally in Istanbul on the eve of the election, in front of thousands of supporters.
More than 56 million people are eligible to vote across the country. Over 3 million Turkish expatriates cast their ballots in the elections last month.
Turkey is gearing up for early presidential and parliamentary elections. Incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing a tough challenge from his main rival, Muharrem Inje.
Many political experts believe Inje is capable of dragging the race into a run-off. Four other candidates are also running for presidency.
The winner will get new sweeping powers under a constitutional shake-up approved in a referendum last year.
Sunday’s elections were originally scheduled for late 2019. Erdogan brought the elections forward.
