Turks are gearing up for local elections next Sunday, with all eyes on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s bid to regain control of Istanbul, the country’s economic hub. Following the setback of losing Istanbul to the secular opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) in 2019, Erdogan is determined to secure victory in this pivotal city.
In the 2019 polls, the CHP’s victory in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir shattered Erdogan’s long-standing dominance in Turkish politics. However, buoyed by a strong showing in last year’s general elections, Erdogan is now focused on reversing his political fortunes, particularly in Istanbul, where he began his political career.
Erdogan has placed his trust in Murat Kurum, his former environment minister, to contest the mayoral race in Istanbul. The upcoming elections mark an opportunity for Erdogan to avenge his previous defeat, which saw CHP’s Ekrem Imamoglu emerge victorious after a controversial annulled election followed by a re-run vote.
Imamoglu, hailed as a formidable opponent to Erdogan, has garnered significant support from various political factions opposed to the ruling AKP party. However, the fractured nature of the opposition and the emergence of alternative candidates, such as those from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, could potentially dilute Imamoglu’s support base.
Despite facing challenges, Erdogan continues to lead the AKP campaign with fervent rallies and extensive media coverage, while opposition candidates rely heavily on social media platforms. The high stakes of the Istanbul election are underscored by its significance as the largest political prize in Turkey, symbolizing not only political power but also control over substantial municipal resources serving millions of citizens.
Polls indicate a close race in Istanbul, with Imamoglu maintaining a slight lead according to some analysts. However, the outcome remains uncertain, with the possibility of a gap between polling predictions and actual election results. Beyond Istanbul, attention is also focused on other key battlegrounds such as Ankara, where CHP’s Mansur Yavas is in a tight contest with AKP’s candidates.
As tensions escalate in the run-up to the elections, observers anticipate a closely fought battle with significant implications for Turkey’s political landscape. The outcome of these elections could shape the trajectory of Erdogan’s political career and influence the country’s future direction.
