The upcoming municipal elections in Turkey, scheduled for Sunday, are poised to be a critical battleground between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his major rival Ekrem Imamoglu, the current mayor of Istanbul. Imamoglu's victory in the 2019 vote marked a significant setback for Erdogan and his AK Party, ending their long-standing dominance in Istanbul.
Erdogan seeks to reclaim control of Istanbul and potentially solidify his grip on power in Turkey, particularly amidst economic challenges and political divisions. The elections also hold broader implications for Turkey's political landscape and its position on the global stage.
Polling stations will open across Turkey, with initial results expected later in the day. The race in Istanbul, a key economic hub with a population of 16 million, is anticipated to be closely contested between Imamoglu and AKP candidate Murat Kurum.
Economic issues, including soaring inflation, are likely to influence voters' decisions, along with considerations of Kurdish and Islamist interests. Erdogan's bid to regain control of Istanbul and Ankara, the capital, reflects his efforts to counter the opposition's gains in the 2019 elections.
While Erdogan benefits from the disarray within the opposition alliance, Imamoglu's appeal extends beyond his party affiliation, attracting support from diverse segments of the population, including pro-Kurdish voters crucial to his previous victory.
In the predominantly Kurdish southeast, the pro-Kurdish party DEM aims to assert its strength despite challenges from the state. However, Erdogan faces resistance from some Islamist voters disillusioned with his party's economic policies and drawn to alternative Islamist parties.
The outcome of the municipal elections will have significant implications for Turkey's political trajectory, shaping Erdogan's future prospects and the dynamics of opposition politics in the country.
