A man holds a flag bearing the likeness of Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as he waits with other opposition supporters for the nomination of an electoral alliance candidate to face President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the upcoming elections, in Ankara, Turkey, March 6, 2023 (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is seeking re-election after two decades in power, officially called the country’s legislative and presidential elections for May 14 on Friday, a month earlier than expected despite the devastating of last month.

The elections could be the country’s biggest in decades. It will be up to them whether the nation takes a more democratic course or maintains the increasingly authoritarian course set by the president.

Erdogan has ruled Turkey since 2003 – first as prime minister, then as president since 2014 – but this year’s election could be the toughest for him.

The country is facing a stricken economy, runaway inflation and the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that killed more than 46,000 people and left hundreds of thousands living in tents or temporary accommodation in 11 provinces.

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