November 23, 2006 - 17:06 AMT
Most Turks Do Not Want to See Erdogan as President
More than half of the population of Turkey do not want to see PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the new President, says a sociological survey held by Kanal D TV company. The research was held in 9 large cities of Turkey November 18-19 and 1273 persons were questioned. Next May the 7-year tenure of incumbent President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will be over. The PM is considered as the most probable candidate for the next President.

According to the returns of the survey, 51% of respondents were against election of Erdogan as the state leader. They apprehend that in case the PM, who heads the pro-Islamic Justice and Development Party, is elected as President, secular rule in Turkey will be threatened.

31.2% of respondents stated they do not want Erdogan to be elected President, as he is a harsh political and does not compromise. According to the survey, 35% of participants were for election of Erdogan as President and they did not see any threat in it, reports RIA Novosti.