Socio-Economic Development and Voter Preferences in Türkiye: The 28 May 2023 Presidential Election

Purpose: This study is primarily focused on analyzing voter preference in Türkiye. Specifically, the study aims to analyze the impact of voters' socio-economic development levels on their preference for the incumbent or opposition blocs, with specific reference to the 28 May 2023 presidential election. Design/Methodology: The primary question is whether a voter's socio-economic status directs their vote towards the incumbent or the opposition. To address this question, district-level data from the Ministry of Industry and Technology's "District Socio-Economic Development Ranking Study (SEGE-2022)" report were analyzed alongside the Supreme Election Council's (YSK) official results from the May 28, 2023, presidential election. Correlation analysis was utilized to determine the nature of the relationship between the Socio-Economic Development Index (SEDI) and candidate vote shares. Findings: The findings suggest a statistically significant relationship between socio-economic development and voter preference for the incumbent or opposition Limitations: The study's conclusions are limited by several factors. Its focus on the 2023 election restricts generalizability, and the analysis did not control for potentially confounding variables (e.g., voter demographics, political attitudes, campaign strategies). Therefore, the observed relationship between socio-economic development and voter preference may not be solely causal. Originality/Value: The 2023 Turkish Presidential Election marked a critical juncture in Türkiye's political history, characterized by heightened polarization and competitiveness. This context necessitates a detailed examination of voter preferences and the underlying factors influencing those preferences. The significance of this study stems from its analysis of the role of socio-economic development as a factor influencing voter preference, using current data and a unique sample.