Letter: Turkey’s parallel elections may benefit Erdoğan

It is important not to forget the parliamentary election that accompanies Turkey’s presidential contest on Sunday (FT View, May 9).

Unlike the French system where the parliament is elected after the presidency is determined, the simultaneous nature of Sunday’s elections mean that a confused picture is likely to emerge which works to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s benefit. Should the opposition fail to secure a majority in the parliamentary election — as is forecast — there is a significant likelihood voters may switch to Erdoğan in a second round to prevent governmental paralysis. Consequently, if the opposition is to succeed, it needs to at the first attempt.

While Turkey’s opposition remains united, Erdoğan enjoys a significant advantage irrespective of the freedom and fairness of the contest.

Milo Brett
London N15, UK