Istanbul Takes Top Prize in Turkey’s Local Polls

On Sunday, Turkish citizens headed to the polls for municipal elections, with particular focus on Istanbul, a critical battleground for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who aims to reclaim the city from the opposition. Despite the high stakes, voter turnout appeared subdued against the backdrop of soaring inflation and significant currency devaluation, as observed by AFP correspondents.

Concerns over the economic situation were evident among voters. Guler Kaya, for example, expressed how the economic downturn had forced her to curtail her social activities, fearing worse outcomes if Erdogan’s party prevails. Similarly, Meliha Sonmez, an earthquake survivor, emphasized the broader implications of these elections beyond municipal concerns, suggesting that a defeat for Erdogan’s party could weaken his position.

Erdogan’s political career began with his election as Istanbul’s mayor in 1994, and his party has maintained control over the city until Ekrem Imamoglu of the CHP won the mayorship five years ago. Following his re-election as president last May, Erdogan has been vocal about recapturing Istanbul, highlighting its significance as Turkey’s “jewel.”

Polls showed Imamoglu slightly ahead, but the reliability of such surveys has been questioned given past inaccuracies. The 2019 election, which Imamoglu won after a controversial annulment and subsequent re-run, has elevated his status as a significant challenge to Erdogan’s party.

Amidst an economic crisis with inflation at 67 percent and the Turkish lira’s value plummeting, Erdogan campaigned vigorously for his party’s candidate, former environment minister Murat Kurum, criticizing Imamoglu for neglecting city issues in favor of his political ambitions.

Imamoglu, on his part, campaigned on local development and service improvements, promising enhanced public amenities and investments.

The election landscape this year is marked by a fragmented opposition, in contrast to the unity seen in the previous local elections. With 61 million voters across Turkey deciding on mayors, council members, and other local officials, the performance of the opposition and particularly the pro-Kurdish DEM party, which has fielded two candidates for Istanbul mayor, is under scrutiny.

Polling stations opened early in the east and closed in the afternoon in the west, including Istanbul, with initial results expected late on Sunday.