In a major political shift, Türkiye's main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), is set to maintain control over key cities following recent local elections. The CHP led in major cities including İstanbul and Ankara, signaling a significant victory in the country's largest urban centers. 🌟
With the majority of votes counted, İstanbul's incumbent mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, representing the CHP, is leading by 10 percentage points in the mayoral race. Additionally, the CHP secured Ankara and won 15 other mayoral seats nationwide, as reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency.
Overall, the CHP won municipalities in 36 out of Türkiye's 81 provinces, garnering 37% of the national vote compared to 36% for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). This marks the CHP's most significant electoral success since Erdoğan rose to power two decades ago. 🗳️
In a late-night address at the AKP headquarters in Ankara, Erdoğan described the results as a \"turning point\". Acknowledging the electoral setback, he announced that his alliance would implement measures to address voters' concerns, including pushing forward an economic program aimed at combating inflation.
The elections saw 61 million eligible voters participate, including 1 million first-time voters, choosing provincial mayors, council members, and other local officials.
These local elections are viewed as a crucial indicator of Erdoğan's popularity, especially as he aims to reclaim control of major urban areas lost to the opposition five years ago. In 2019, İmamoğlu's victory in İstanbul ended 25 years of AKP rule in the city, delivering a significant blow to Erdoğan. That same year, the CHP also won Ankara.
Despite Erdoğan's comeback in 2023 by securing reelection and a parliamentary majority with nationalist allies, Sunday's results have rejuvenated the opposition, which had been divided and demoralized following their 2023 defeat.
Looking ahead, an İmamoğlu victory positions him as a formidable contender against Erdoğan's AKP in the upcoming presidential election in 2028.
Stay tuned to NewspaperAmigo.com for more updates on this developing story! 📈✨
