ANKARA
Turkey's main opposition has named Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the former Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as its nominee for August's presidential election.
The annoucement came after a meeting between Kemal Kilicdaroglu, chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) chairman Devlet Bahceli.
Main opposition party leader Kilicdaroglu said: "I have suggested Ihsanoglu's name to MHP's leader Devlet Bahceli as joint presidential nominee."
Confirming Ihsanoglu as their joint candidate, Bahceli added: "This suggestion is favorable for our nation. The CHP leader's suggestion satisfied us. We will work for this nominee."
Ihsanoglu needs 20 MPs to support his candidacy before he can be officially stand for the election, scheduled for August 10.
The 71-year-old retired as secretary general of the OIC - a collective body that promotes the interests of 57 member states - last year after being elected in 2005. Under his leadership the organization became more involved in humanitarian, social and economic issues. He is an author and diplomat who was born in Cairo to Turkish parents.
The vote will be the first time that Turkey's president is elected by direct popular vote.
A candidate needs more than 50 percent of the popular vote to be elected in the first round. If none of the three expected candidates receives the required percentage, there will be a second round on August 24 between the two candidates who received the most votes.
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