According to pollsters, disunity among Turkey’s opposition parties has increased President Tayyip Erdogan’s chances of reclaiming control of Istanbul in the upcoming municipal elections after his victory in last year’s presidential vote. The municipal election in Istanbul on March 31 is crucial in determining the political future of the city’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, who has been viewed as a potential leader of the main opposition CHP and a potential future president. Five years ago, Imamoglu and the secularist CHP dealt a significant blow to Erdogan by winning control of Istanbul and Ankara in municipal elections.
However, Erdogan managed to win re-election as president last May despite a strong opposition challenge. The alliance that helped Imamoglu win Istanbul has since collapsed, with his nationalist and pro-Kurdish allies running their own candidates in the upcoming election. Recent polls indicate a close race, with Imamoglu holding a slight lead over AKP candidate Murat Kurum.
Ozer Sencar, chairman of pollsters Metropoll, stressed the importance of Istanbul in shaping national politics. He mentioned that if Imamoglu wins the election and it is not overturned by objections, he could become the president of Turkey in 2028. However, Imamoglu’s chances have been affected by the decision of pro-Kurdish and nationalist parties to field their own candidates, reducing his support among Kurdish and IYI party voters.
Ertan Aksoy of Aksoy Research pointed out the risks of a fragmented opposition in Istanbul, especially with discord within the CHP and dissatisfaction with the choice of election candidates. Imamoglu has accused the central government of obstructing his efforts to deliver services in the city since 2019. Campaigning has focused on addressing traffic issues and the need for urban transformation due to earthquake risks.
In his campaign speeches, Erdogan has highlighted the opposition’s internal challenges, criticizing the CHP’s inability to bring about meaningful change. He portrayed the opposition as ineffective and incapable of addressing Turkey’s political issues. The upcoming election in Istanbul is crucial not only for the city but also for the broader political landscape in Turkey.
The fragmented state of the opposition and the shifting alliances among different parties have created uncertainty in the run-up to the election. The outcome in Istanbul could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political future. As the race in the city tightens, both Imamoglu and Kurum are intensifying their efforts to rally support and secure victory.
With tensions running high and the stakes elevated, the political landscape in Turkey is undergoing a significant transformation. The outcome of the election in Istanbul will not only determine the city’s leadership but also shape the course of national politics in the coming years. Both sides are mobilizing their supporters and engaging in a fierce battle for control of Istanbul, with the results poised to have a lasting impact on Turkey’s political direction.
Despite the challenges and obstacles faced by the opposition, Imamoglu remains determined to lead Istanbul and bring about positive change. His resilience in the face of adversity has garnered support from many who believe in his vision for the city. As the election draws near, all eyes are on Istanbul as the city prepares to make a pivotal decision that could reverberate throughout the country.
As the countdown to the election begins, tensions are mounting and the political climate in Turkey is charged with anticipation. The outcome in Istanbul will be closely watched not only within the country but also by international observers. The battle for control of Istanbul represents a crucial turning point in Turkish politics, with the potential to reshape the country’s trajectory in the years to come.
With the future of Istanbul hanging in the balance, both sides are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory. The city’s residents are eager to cast their votes and make their voices heard in shaping the city’s leadership. As election day approaches, the fate of Istanbul rests in the hands of its voters, who hold the key to determining the city’s future direction.
