"This study investigates the motivations underpinning support for Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Türkiye's 2023 presidential elections (14 and 28 May) and explores voter perceptions of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, put up in that election as the candidate of the opposition, and of the opposition at large. The findings indicate that participant narratives closely mirror the rhetoric promoted by Erdoğan and the pro-government media, suggesting alignment between the sentiments expressed by Erdoğan supporters and state-led discourse. Through a theoretical lens incorporating populist and charismatic leadership, affective leader polarisation and negative partisanship, the research highlights how these frameworks structure the expression of voter preference. A thematic analysis of semi-structured, indepth interviews with 24 participants from diverse regions in Türkiye who identify as Erdoğan supporters reveals the centrality of their emotional and ideological identification with him, while populism and security concerns are emphasised as key drivers of voter loyalty amidst continuing economic and social challenges."

Support: Digital