Turkey’s Erdogan announces 14 May elections in bid to extend decades in power

Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced parliamentary and presidential elections for 14 May – one month earlier than planned, and despite devastation caused by earthquakes that killed 46,000 and left millions homeless.

The elections could be the most significant in the country’s modern history by determining if Turkey will take a more democratic path or continue on Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian course.

Mr Erdogan has ruled over Turkey since 2003 – first as prime minister and as president since 2014. But this year’s elections may be his most challenging.