Election monitors criticized the conduct of the elections, observing restrictions on fundamental freedoms of assembly, association and expression.[2][3] There was political interference in the electoral process, threats of throttling social media platforms, arrests of people posting criticisms on social media, and fines against media organizations that criticized the government.[4][5] The state-run media heavily the AK Party, led by incumbent president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.[4] Popular political opponents were jailed or intimidated during the election campaign.[6][7] A 2023 study in PLOS One found that the election was "riddled with statistical irregularities, that may be indicative of electoral fraud."[8]
Although there were speculations about a snap election prior to the regular one in 2023, Bahçeli ruled them out. In a written statement, he said that elections would not be held before 2023. He also confirmed that the current coalition between AK Party and MHP will remain intact and Erdoğan will be their joint nominee for president. On 9 June 2022, Erdoğan declared his candidacy.[9]
On 22 January 2023, Erdoğan announced he would initiate snap elections on 10 March which would bring the election date forward from 18 June to 14 May.[10]Muharrem İnce announced he would withdraw his candidacy on 11 May.[11]
On 1 April, after a drawing conducted by the Supreme Electoral Council, the places of four presidential candidates on the ballot paper have been determined as follows:
List of presidential candidates in order they appear on the ballot paper[12]
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