In a nationwide local vote, Turks handed President Tayyip Erdogan and his party their most significant electoral setback, reaffirming the opposition as a formidable political force and solidifying Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as Erdogan’s primary rival.
With the majority of ballots tallied, Imamoglu held a commanding lead of 10 percentage points in the mayoral race in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city. Meanwhile, his Republican People’s Party (CHP) retained control of Ankara and secured 15 additional mayoral seats across the country.This outcome marked Erdogan and his AK Party’s most significant defeat in their more than two decades in power, potentially signaling a shift in Turkey’s politically divided landscape. Erdogan acknowledged the result as a “turning point” in a late-night address.The AKP performed worse than anticipated in opinion polls, attributed to factors such as soaring inflation, discontent among Islamist voters, and Imamoglu’s appeal extending beyond the CHP’s traditional secular base.Imamoglu, 53, addressed thousands of jubilant supporters, declaring, “Those who fail to grasp the message of the people will ultimately lose.” He emphasized the significance of the election results, particularly in Istanbul, where 16 million citizens sent a clear message to both rivals and the president.Erdogan, who previously served as mayor of Istanbul, campaigned vigorously ahead of the municipal elections, viewing them as a gauge of his party’s support and the opposition’s strength.Speaking at AKP headquarters in Ankara, Erdogan acknowledged the alliance’s nationwide decline and pledged to address the voters’ message by rectifying mistakes and fulfilling any shortcomings in the years ahead.In another blow to Erdogan, reelected CHP Mayor Mansur Yavas secured victory in Ankara, further underscoring the opposition’s success.In Istanbul, with nearly 93% of ballot boxes opened, Imamoglu led with 50.92% support compared to AKP challenger Murat Kurum’s 40.05%. This victory in Europe’s largest city and economic powerhouse was a significant achievement for Imamoglu and the opposition.Despite predictions of a close race in Istanbul and potential CHP losses elsewhere, the party maintained a lead nationwide, marking its first such victory in 35 years.Mert Arslanalp, assistant professor of political science at Istanbul’s Bogazici University, characterized the outcome as Erdogan’s “most severe election defeat” since assuming national power in 2002.
