Turkish opposition wins local elections
Turkey’s primary opposition party has claimed major triumphs in the key urban centres of Istanbul and Ankara.
It deals a huge blow to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who aimed to reclaim control of these cities less than a year after winning a third presidential term.
Erdogan spearheaded the campaign to secure victory in Istanbul, his hometown where he rose to prominence as mayor. However, Ekrem Imamoglu, who won the city in 2019, clinched a second win for the secular opposition CHP.
Despite Erdogan’s pledge for a new chapter in Turkey’s nearly 16 million-strong megacity, the incumbent Istanbul mayor appeared poised to secure over 50% of the vote, holding a lead of more than 10 points over the president’s AK Party candidate.
This marks the first electoral defeat across the nation for Erdogan’s party since his ascent to power 21 years ago.
Congratulations to @DEMGenelMerkezi and the democratic opposition in Turkey with victory against Erdogan in the local elections!
— Nikolaj Villumsen (@nvillumsen) March 31, 2024
Despite the oppression, fraud and even killings – the Green Left managed to win the Kurdish provinces and increase its nationwide support! #secim2024 pic.twitter.com/4labZBhkrJ
In the capital, Ankara, opposition mayor Mansur Yavas maintained a commanding lead with 59% of the vote, prompting him to declare victory even before half the votes were tallied. Supporters flooded the city’s main thoroughfares, brandishing flags and blaring car horns in celebration.
Notably, the CHP also seemed poised for success in several other major Turkish cities, including Izmir, Bursa, Adana, and the resort town of Antalya.