Erdogan accuses US president of trying to topple him, says poll results 'response to Biden too'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused US President Joe Biden of trying to topple him, saying the result of Sunday elections will be a response to him too.

He made the remarks while holding his last election rallies in Istanbul on Saturday, as polls showed him trailing the main opposition candidate, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

Addressing a rally in Istanbul's Umraniye district, Turkey's president referred to comments made by Biden in January 2020, when he said Washington should encourage Erdogan's opponents to defeat him electorally, stressing he should not be ousted in a coup.

"Biden gave the order to topple Erdogan, I know this. All my people know this," Turkey's president said, adding, "If that is the case, then the ballots tomorrow will give a response to Biden too."

Turkey elections: Close contest between Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu

Turkey will hold its crucial presidential and parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Erdogan also criticized Kilicdaroglu for his comments on Russia, describing Moscow as an important ally of Ankara.

"Russia has been one of our most important allies regarding agriculture products," he said.

This came after Kilicdaroglu accused Russia of interfering in Turkey’s elections without presenting any evidence to uphold his claim. Russia has categorically denied his allegation.

Kilicdaroglu is the leader of the opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, and is also supported by the country’s pro-Kurdish party.

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The announcement appeared to catch Turkey

There are two additional candidates competing in the presidential race, including Muharrem Ince, a former CHP leader who lost the last presidential election to Erdogan in 2018, and Sinan Ogan who has the backing of an anti-immigrant nationalist party.

Polls will open at 8 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and close at 5 p.m. (1400 GMT).

If neither of the candidates win more than 50% of the vote and secure an outright victory, the vote will go to a runoff on May 28.

On Wednesday, Turkey's Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said the United States is leading a Western media campaign aimed at manipulating the polls.

"The plan by the US intensifies actively," Soylu stated during a press briefing, arguing that "the reason for Western media’s interference is [to pave the way for] the realization of America's plan [in Turkey]."

Russia categorically rejects accusations of interfering in Turkey elections

Russia roundly rejects accusations of meddling in Turkey

Some American and European news outlets have been trying to depict Erdogan in a bad light ahead of the vote by billing him as a "dictator and tyrant," resembling similar efforts used during elections in other countries where Washington has a favorite candidate of its own.

Erdogan leads the Justice and Development Party, or AKP. He was prime minister for 11 years before becoming president in 2014.

He has been viewed as strengthening Turkey on the international stage and growing the country’s influence. However, the country’s economic issues have eroded Erdogan's popularity over the last 18 months.

The economy and high inflation are the main issues of the upcoming elections.

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