In a thrilling turn of events, Türkiye's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has held onto power in key cities, including the bustling metropolis of Istanbul and the capital city, Ankara. 🗳️✨
According to initial results on Sunday, with most of the votes counted, Ekrem Imamoglu, the incumbent mayor of Istanbul representing the CHP, led by a significant 10 percentage points. This victory not only secures Istanbul but also adds 15 other mayoral seats to the CHP's control nationwide, as reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency.
The CHP's triumph is monumental, winning municipalities in 36 out of Türkiye's 81 provinces and capturing 37% of the votes nationwide. This edges out President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which garnered 36%. This marks the CHP's greatest electoral victory since Erdogan rose to power two decades ago! 🎉
Erdogan, addressing the nation from the AKP headquarters in Ankara post-midnight, called the elections a \"turning point.\" He acknowledged the setback and expressed a commitment to heed the voters' message, including pressing ahead with an economic program initiated last year to combat inflation. 💼💰
With 61 million eligible voters, including 1 million first-timers, turning up at the polls, Sunday's elections were more than just local—they were a barometer of Erdogan's popularity. The president aimed to reclaim control of key urban areas lost to the opposition five years prior, but the CHP's success shows a shift in the political landscape. 🌐
Back in 2019, Imamoglu delivered a sharp blow to Erdogan by winning Istanbul, ending 25 years of AKP and its predecessors' rule in the city, including Erdogan's own tenure as mayor in the '90s. The CHP also clinched Ankara that year. 🏛️
The 2024 election results have rejuvenated the opposition, which had been left divided and disheartened after their defeat to Erdogan in 2023. An Imamoglu victory not only solidifies his position as a key political figure but also sets the stage for a potential challenge to Erdogan's AKP in the presidential elections slated for 2028. 🚀
The winds of change are blowing in Türkiye, and the youth are watching closely as the nation's political narrative unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates! 📢
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Türkiye's opposition set to hold power in key cities after elections
cgtn.com
