World Bulletin / News Desk

The leader of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Yusuf al-Qaradawi, has declared his support for Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s presidential bid.

In an online post on Saturday, the eve of the presidential election, Qaradawi said: "I support the honest, sincere and powerful leadership of Erdogan and invite the Turkish people to support him as well."

The theologian and broadcaster, who is seen as the intellectual guide of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, said Erdogan had discredited Arab leaders through his strong support for the Palestinians during Israel's offensive against Gaza as well as backing opposition to the Syrian regime and the military government in Egypt.

Turkey has cut diplomatic ties with Israel and Syria and downgraded relations with Egypt to level of charge d'affaires.

"Erdogan's stance…shows that he is someone who Allah commands us to be with," Qaradawi added.

Turkey goes to polls on Sunday in its first direct presidential election. Alongside Erdogan, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and Selahattin Demirtas are also standing.