Turkey’s main opposition party takes control in local elections, deals blow to Erdogan
In a stunning upset for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s main opposition party has retained control over key cities and made significant gains in local elections held on Sunday.
The results mark a major setback for Erdogan, who aimed to regain control of urban areas. With over 90% of ballot boxes counted, incumbent Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), led by a wide margin in Turkey’s largest city and economic hub, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
Mansur Yavas, mayor of the capital, Ankara, secured his seat with a remarkable 25-point lead over his challenger, as indicated by the results.
Overall, the CHP won in 36 of Turkey’s 81 provinces, according to Anadolu, making significant progress in Erdogan’s party strongholds.
The CHP secured 37% of the votes nationwide, compared to 36% for the president’s party, marking the party’s biggest electoral victory since Erdogan took office two decades ago.
Erdogan acknowledged the defeat in a speech, admitting that his party had experienced a setback across Turkey. He stated that the people had sent a message that his party will analyze through courageous self-criticism.
Despite the outcome, Erdogan vowed to continue with an economic program aimed at combating inflation and addressing the country’s economic challenges.
The election was seen as a test of Erdogan’s popularity as he sought to regain control of key urban areas lost to the opposition in the previous elections.
The main battleground was Istanbul, with the opposition’s victory boosting morale and unity among the Turkish people.
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel described the election results as a decision by voters to establish a new political order in Turkey, signaling a shift in the country’s political climate.
Despite incidents of violence in some regions during the elections, overall turnout was around 76%, with over 61 million eligible voters participating.
Imamoglu’s victory in Istanbul, with 50.6% of the votes, solidified his position as a potential challenger to Erdogan in future elections.
The outcome has positioned Imamoglu as a potential leader of the opposition and a key figure in challenging Erdogan’s rule in the upcoming presidential elections.
Erdogan’s party faced criticism for its handling of economic issues, leading to disillusionment among some voters and support for new political parties.
The election results have implications for Erdogan’s future plans, including the possibility of a new constitution that reflects his conservative values and extends his rule beyond 2028.
Erdogan, accused of authoritarian tendencies, has been in power for over two decades, facing increasing challenges to his leadership.
