Key Points from Turkey’s Municipal Elections
- Polling stations opened at different times in Turkey, with voting ending at 5 pm.
- Results are expected to be announced by 10 pm.
- Over 61 million people are registered to vote in these elections.
Turkey’s Municipal Elections Overview
Turkey began voting in high-stakes municipal elections on Sunday, March 31. The focus is on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s bid to reclaim control of Istanbul from rival Ekrem Imamoglu. The results of the elections could reinforce Erdogan’s control or signal change in Turkey’s political landscape.
A Tight Race in Istanbul
Istanbul, a city crucial for Turkey’s economy, is expected to have a tight race between Imamoglu and AK Party candidate Murat Kurum. Imamoglu currently holds a slight edge in the polls.
President Erdogan is aiming to win back Istanbul and also secure victory in the capital, Ankara. In the previous local elections, the main opposition party won Istanbul and Ankara, ending over 20 years of AKP rule.
Imamoglu is seen as the opposition’s main alternative to Erdogan. Winning a second mayoral term could position him as a potential candidate in the next presidential election, according to analysts.
Erdogan’s third term was secured last year through a legal loophole due to the transition to a presidential system in 2018.
