Erdoğan courts German Turks as he fights to hold on to power

Tens of thousands of people across Europe have cast their ballots in early voting in Turkish elections over the weekend, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan counting on diaspora support as he battles to cling to power.

Officials said early indications suggested a record turnout among Turkey’s 3.4mn overseas voters, who have historically backed Erdoğan, after polling stations opened just over two weeks ahead of the main election on May 14.