When Turkish prez cuts off live broadcast citing a stomach bug

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey stopped a live television interview, to which he later returned saying that he had developed a stomach bug.

He also said that he is apologetic for the interruption. The 69-year old leader gave three campaign speeches ahead of the parliamentary and presidential election, which will take place on May 14.

Photo Credit: Recep Tayyip Erdogan

The television appearance began over 90 minutes behind schedule. It was cut off in the middle of a question ten minutes into the show.

In the live-session, the camera shook and the reporter asking the question stood up from his chair. The broadcast was then cut off. 'Oh wow,' an unheard voice was heard saying off camera.

The President then returned 15 minutes later to apologise for getting sick, an AFP report said.

"Yesterday and today were hard work. That's why I got a stomach flu. At one point, I wondered if it would be misunderstood if we cancelled the programme. But we promised. I ask for your and our audience's forgiveness," a tired looking Erdogen said. His eyes appeared to water as he spoke.

Following this the President took a few more questions before the braodcast ended.

Erdogen is facing one of his toughest campaigns. The opinion polls are not exactly in his favour. Some polls show that the fight would be a neck-and-neck one or he could end up losing to opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.