"The United States is meddling in these elections ... Everyone in this country already knows this, US President [Joe Biden] himself declares this. The attack on [presidential candidate of Turkiye and leader of the Memleket party] Muharrem Ince ... it is clear where it came from, it is clear where it was coordinated. This is America. In recent days, Biden has stepped up his people in Turkiye,” Soylu said in an interview.
The Turkish interior minister also accused Washington of trying to subjugate Ankara, but to no avail.
"Turkey has a clear position in its foreign policy. The US says 'Come and obey me.' We obey the Turkish interests," Soylu said.
He assured the broadcaster that Ankara was taking precautionary measures regarding possible cyberattacks during the elections.
"I am among the most exposed to attacks and insults, and a big part of them comes from foreign accounts," the minister said.
"I am among the most exposed to attacks and insults, and a big part of them comes from foreign accounts," the minister said.
Ince announced on Thursday the withdrawal of his candidacy three days before the election.
On May 3, Soylu said that the US would attempt a presidential coup during the upcoming election in order to finish what was started in July 2016, when a failed attempt to remove Erdogan from office took place, which Soylu also blamed on the US. On Wednesday, Soylu said Western media's manipulations regarding the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkiye is a realization of the United States' plan.
Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections are set to take place on May 14. Kilicdaroglu, put forward by a six-party opposition alliance, is considered Erdogan's main opponent. The list of presidential candidates also includes Muharrem Ince of the Homeland Party and Sinan Ogan of the ATA Alliance. Results of pre-election polls have not yet revealed a clear favorite in the upcoming election. The second round of the election, which will take place if no candidate gains 50% of votes, is scheduled for May 28.