Turkey's opposition appears set to retain key cities, preliminary local election results show
preliminary results from Sunday's local elections in Turkey suggest that the main opposition party is on track to maintain control over key cities, dealing a blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ambitions of reclaiming these urban areas.
According to initial reports by state broadcaster TRT, incumbent mayor Ekrem Imamoglu of the Republican People's Party (CHP) is leading in Istanbul, the country's largest city and economic center, with around 20% of the votes counted. Similarly, Mayor Mansur Yavas of the capital Ankara is expected to secure another term with a significant margin.
The CHP is currently ahead in 35 out of Turkey's 81 provinces, based on preliminary results.
These local elections were closely watched as a gauge of Erdogan's popularity, particularly after his party suffered defeats in Istanbul and Ankara to the opposition in 2019, signaling cracks in his dominance.
For Erdogan, Istanbul holds particular significance as it's where he began his political career. A strong performance by his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) would have bolstered his agenda, including plans for a new constitution aligning with his conservative values.
On the other hand, retaining control of Istanbul and Ankara would rejuvenate the fragmented opposition, which has struggled since its defeat in last year's national elections.
Despite concerns over a possible low turnout due to economic hardships, including a cost-of-living crisis, millions of eligible voters cast their ballots. However, isolated incidents of violence were reported, including clashes in Diyarbakir and Sanliurfa.
Imamoglu expressed confidence in the early results, signaling trust and faith from citizens in his leadership.
The race in Istanbul between Imamoglu and AKP's candidate Murat Kurum was expected to be tight, with Imamoglu running without the support of some previous allies.
Analysts suggest that Imamoglu's potential victory in Istanbul could position him as a unifying figure for the opposition, possibly paving the way for a presidential bid in 2028.
Meanwhile, a new religious-conservative party, the New Welfare Party (YRP), has emerged, appealing to voters disillusioned with Erdogan's economic policies.
In Turkey's Kurdish-populated southeast, the DEM Party was projected to win several municipalities, although uncertainties remain due to past government interventions.
Erdogan's aspirations for a new constitution that emphasizes family values hinge on a strong showing in these elections, which could allow him to sway opposition lawmakers to support his agenda.
Overall, the outcome of these local elections could shape Turkey's political landscape and Erdogan's legacy in the years to come.
