Istanbul municipal election: A decisive moment for Turkey

Turks headed to the polls on Sunday in a crucial municipal election, with all eyes fixed on Istanbul, the national “jewel” that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has fervently sought to regain from the opposition’s grip.

As the last polling stations shuttered at 1400 GMT in the western region of the country, anticipation mounted for the release of the initial estimates later on Sunday. Against the backdrop of soaring inflation and a staggering devaluation, uncertainty loomed large over many voters, as reported by AFP correspondents.

Reflecting on the economic turmoil, 43-year-old Guler Kaya expressed her concerns at an Istanbul polling station, stating, “The crisis is swallowing up the middle class… If Erdogan wins, it will get even worse.”

The election’s outcome, according to political scientist Ali Faik Demir of Galatasaray University, is intricately tied to the populace’s everyday struggles. He emphasized, “When Turkish people vote, the situation in the kitchen or on their plate changes the voting trend.”

Although Erdogan was not a candidate in this municipal vote, his influence permeated the campaign. His political journey began in Istanbul in 1994 when he assumed the role of mayor, and reclaiming the city has been a pivotal objective since.

The incumbent mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu of the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), stands as the primary contender. A victory for him would likely position him as the leading opponent to Erdogan’s ruling AKP party in the upcoming 2028 presidential elections.

Amidst the political fervor, Erdogan reiterated Istanbul’s significance, calling it “the jewel, the treasure and the apple of our country’s eye.”

In the run-up to the election, Imamoglu defended his record and focused on local issues, promising improvements in infrastructure and social services.

After casting his vote, Imamoglu emerged to supporters chanting his 2019 election slogan, “Everything will be fine.” He emphasized the importance of a peaceful electoral process, irrespective of the outcome.

The election unfolded amidst economic turbulence, with inflation soaring and the lira witnessing a substantial devaluation, factors that could sway voters against the incumbent government.

Reports of armed clashes in Turkey’s Kurdish-majority southeast underscored the tensions surrounding the election.

With 61 million voters selecting mayors and local officials across Turkey, the opposition’s cohesion has been challenged. The main opposition party, CHP, failed to unite behind a single candidate, potentially fracturing their support base.

As the results loom, the election’s outcome holds immense significance, not just for Istanbul but for the broader political landscape of Turkey.