Young Voter Trend Research Results and Political Impacts of the Economy
A new survey conducted in July 2026 revealed that a significant portion of young people from the ruling party could change their voting preferences based on economic indicators.
The 2026 youth survey conducted by the Interface Campaign showed that a significant proportion of young voters who vote for the ruling party will change their minds depending on the economic trajectory. The research results detailed economic concerns, possible election scenarios, and the emotional state of young people.
Scope and Methodology of the Research
The Interface Youth Survey, conducted by the Interface Campaign in July 2026 using computer-assisted telephone interviewing, has been concluded. The research examined the political tendencies, social positioning, and mobilization statuses of young people.
Impact of Economic Trajectory on Voter Preference
The economic trajectory emerged as the main determining factor among the young voter group voting for the ruling party. While 41 percent of the participants stated that they would support the party if the economy improves, the rate of those saying they would support it even if the economy does not go well remained at 14 percent.
Preference Change Trends
Forty-one percent of the young people who voted for the AKP in the previous election and plan to vote for them again stated that they would change their preferences if the economy does not improve. In the overall total, 56 percent of the youth supporting the AKP tied the continuation of their current support to economic conditions.
Possible Presidential Election Scenario
In a possible second-round presidential election scenario pitting Ekrem İmamoğlu against Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, before the undecided voters were distributed, İmamoğlu reached 43.4 percent and Erdoğan 29.5 percent of the vote, with the undecided voter rate measured at 27 percent.
Election Outcome Expectations
Regarding the expectation of who will win the election, 58 percent of the youth stated that they think Erdoğan will win, while 42 percent stated that the opposition will win the election.
Livelihood Difficulties and Psychological State
Forty percent of the young people participating in the research stated that they could not make ends meet, while 39 percent stated that they could only make ends meet but could not save money. The emotion felt most intensely by the youth was stress and anxiety, scoring 6.4 out of 10.
Political Interest, Participation, and Trust in Institutions
While the rate of young people stating that they have a high direct interest in politics remained at 22 percent, 74 percent of the participants stated that they would vote in the first upcoming election. In the ranking of trust in institutions, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) ranked first with 43 percent.