ISTANBUL: Turks head to the polls on Sunday for nationwide municipal elections, with a spotlight on President Tayyip Erdogan’s quest to regain control of Istanbul from his major rival, Ekrem Imamoglu. Imamoglu aims to reestablish the opposition as a potent political force following bitter defeats last year. His victory in the 2019 Istanbul mayoral race dealt Erdogan and his AK Party a significant electoral setback, marking the biggest challenge to their two-decade rule. However, Erdogan retaliated in 2023 by securing reelection and a parliamentary majority with his nationalist allies.
These elections hold significant implications for Erdogan’s control over Turkey, a NATO member and major emerging economy. A win for Imamoglu could signal a shift in the country’s political landscape, potentially positioning him as a future national leader.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. in eastern Turkey, with voting elsewhere commencing at 8 a.m. and concluding at 5 p.m. Initial results are anticipated by 10 p.m.
The race in Istanbul, a city of 16 million driving Turkey’s economy, appears tightly contested. Imamoglu faces a challenge from AKP candidate Murat Kurum, a former minister. Economic challenges, including rampant inflation nearing 70%, and considerations from Kurdish and Islamist voters evaluating the government’s performance, are expected to influence the outcome.
While Istanbul is the primary target for Erdogan, he also seeks to reclaim the capital, Ankara, both of which slipped from AKP’s grasp in 2019 after 25 years of rule. Despite the collapse of the opposition alliance defeated last year, Imamoglu retains appeal beyond his Republican People’s Party base.
Crucial to Imamoglu’s 2019 victory were voters from the main pro-Kurdish party. This time, despite the DEM party fielding its candidate in Istanbul, many Kurds are anticipated to support Imamoglu again, overlooking party allegiance.
In the predominantly Kurdish southeast, DEM aims to reaffirm its influence following the state’s ousting of pro-Kurdish mayors over alleged militant ties. Erdogan faces challenges from rising support for the Islamist New Welfare Party, due to its firm stance against Israel during the Gaza conflict and dissatisfaction with the AKP’s economic management.
This election underscores Turkey’s political dynamics and the strategic significance of Istanbul as Erdogan and Imamoglu vie for control, shaping the country’s future trajectory.
