Conversation so far:
What happened with Erdogan in the general elections?
The elections of 2002 were the first elections in which Erdoğan participated as a party leader.
Are there any other interesting aspects about the elections of 2002 besides the fact these were the first elections that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan participated as a party leader?
The AKP won 34.3% of the national vote and formed the new government.
Why did people protest Erdogan?
2013 Gezi Park protests against the perceived authoritarianism of Erdoğan and his policies, starting from a small sit-in in Istanbul in defense of a city park.
Was Recep Tayyip Erdoğan elected in the 2002 general eledctions?
The AKP won 34.3% of the national vote and formed the new government.
Did Erdogan alter the secular nature of the state?
The AKP was accused of orchestrating purges against secular bureaucrats and military officers through the Balyoz and Ergenekon trials

Question: Who did Erdogan run against in the general elections?
Self-contained rewrite: Who did Erdogan run against in the general elections of 2002?