The Turkish May 14 presidential polls resulted in neither of the top two candidates winning an outright majority, and a runoff vote between incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Kemal Kilicdaroglu of the opposition People’s Republican Party (CHP) will take place on May 28. The AKP was criticised for its handling of two earthquakes earlier this year, while Erdogan’s popularity has been hit by a currency crisis and mounting dissatisfaction with his economic policies. Meanwhile, the CHP is known for its secularist principles and pro-Western outlook. The outcome of the election could have implications for Turkey’s foreign policy, particularly in relation to Russia. Turkey, which maintains friendly relations with Russia, could come under pressure to align with the West under Kilicdaroglu’s leadership. Last week, presidential contender Muharrem Ince withdrew from the race following allegations of an extramarital affair, with Kilicdaroglu claiming that the accusations were part of a Russian attempt to interfere in the election.