Istanbul: The opposition CHP has claimed victory in major cities in Turkey’s local elections. The party claimed big wins in Istanbul and the capital, Ankara. The election result is a heavy blow to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his party AKP.
CHP leader Mayor Ikrem Imamoglu claimed victory in Istanbul on Sunday when 95 percent of ballot boxes were opened. He said that AKP of Erdogan was left behind by more than a million votes.
In the capital Ankara, CHP mayor Mansur Yavas claimed victory. He said that the election result is a clear message to the rulers of the country.
CHP is also leading in Turkey’s third largest city, Izmir. Anadolu news agency reports that the CHP is clearly ahead in 36 out of 81 provinces. Thousands of CHP activists held a victory celebration in Istanbul on Sunday, waving the national flag.
President Erdogan, who has been in power in Turkey since 2002, said in a speech at the presidential palace that his party had suffered a setback in the election. He said that mistakes and errors will be identified and corrected.
Erdogan had earlier said that the local elections in March would be the last of his political career. The speech signaled the end of more than two decades of power.
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2024-04-01 05:18:17
