Ankara, April 1 (IANS) Turkey’s main opposition party, CHP, celebrated a significant victory in local elections, securing 35 mayoralties across the country, as per unofficial results. President Erdogan’s AKP won 24 mayor positions. Other parties also made gains, with a high voter turnout of 78.11%.
The People’s Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) won 10 mayoralties, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) 8, and others secured smaller numbers of positions. In the metropolitan municipalities election, CHP won 14, AKP 12, DEM 3, and Welfare Party 1. Overall, the elections were deemed to have gone smoothly.
Despite an initial setback with AKP’s loss of key positions, Erdogan addressed his supporters acknowledging the defeat as a “turning point” rather than an end. He commended the citizens for their participation, stating that Turkish democracy had once again shown its maturity. The president vowed to analyze the results and make necessary changes for the future.
The incumbent CHP mayors in Istanbul and Ankara retained their positions, while the opposition made gains in various cities, causing a surprise defeat for Erdogan. The results showcase the shifting political landscape in Turkey and highlight the growing influence of opposition parties in local governance.
