Erdogan’s Party Suffers Significant Setback In Turkey’s Local Elections

In Istanbul, Turkey’s main opposition party experiences resurgence, securing significant wins in local elections, notably in Istanbul and Ankara.

These unexpected outcomes pose a setback for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who sought to regain control of these cities less than a year after securing his third presidential term.

Read more: Erdogan Declares Upcoming March Election as His Last

Erdogan’s party suffered defeat in his hometown, with the secular party leader clinching victory by a margin exceeding 50 percent.

This recent setback marks the first defeat for Erdogan’s party in local elections during his 21-year rule. In the capital, Ankara, opposition mayor Mansur Yavas also secures a decisive win, garnering approximately 60 percent of the vote.

The Republican People’s Party is also poised to triumph in other major cities such as Izmir, Bursa, Adana, and Antalya.

President Erdogan characterizes the election outcome as a turning point rather than a conclusion for his party, pledging to honor the electorate’s decision.

Opposition party leader Ozgur Ozel lauds the election results as a significant change, applauding voters for selecting a new political atmosphere.