Voters in Turkey cast their ballots amid the ruins of the worst natural disaster this region has seen in a century. Despite the suffering, analysts say the contest is fierce and it could change the course of history. For VOA, Yan Boechat has this photo report from the region hit in the February earthquakes in Turkey with words by Heather Murdock.
In Photos: Turkey Votes in Earthquake Disaster Zone
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Turnout in the Turkish elections is expected to be high, with some saying between 70% and 90% of eligible voters may cast ballots, May 14, 2023, in Gaziantep.
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In the areas hardest hit by the earthquakes, polls are held in schools built inside emergency facilities called “containers,” May 14, 2023 in Nurdagi.
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Some observers say the polls in the areas still reeling from the earthquake are not as busy as in past elections because so many people have died or been displaced, May 14, 2023, in Nurdagi.
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As the polls close, voters say the day was peaceful and by all appearances fair and free, but some worry there may be violence if the election results are contested, May 14, 2023 in Nurdagi.
