Turkey's recent local elections witnessed a significant triumph for the main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), as they secured victories in 35 mayoral positions across the nation, based on unofficial results released following Sunday's polls.
This outcome presents a notable setback for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which managed to secure only 24 mayoral positions. Meanwhile, other parties also secured victories, with the People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) winning 10, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) securing 8, the Welfare Party claiming 2, the Great Unity Party (BBP) securing 1, and the Good Party (iYi) also clinching one position, as confirmed by Turkish Supreme Election Council Chairman Ahmet Yener during a press briefing on Monday.
In the race for 30 metropolitan municipalities, the CHP emerged victorious in 14 mayoral positions, while the AKP managed to secure 12. Additionally, the DEM clinched 3 positions, and the Welfare Party secured 1 mayoral position, according to reports from the Xinhua news agency.
Chairman Yener affirmed that the local elections proceeded smoothly, with a commendable participation rate of 78.11 percent.
Notably, incumbent CHP mayors in Istanbul and Ankara retained control of their respective municipalities, while the opposition celebrated significant gains in numerous other cities, dealing an unexpected blow to President Erdogan.
Addressing his supporters early on Monday, President Erdogan acknowledged the setback in the elections, characterizing the results as "not an end" but rather a pivotal moment for them. He expressed gratitude towards the citizens for exhibiting common sense and emphasized the maturity of Turkish democracy once again. Erdogan admitted that the AKP did not achieve the desired outcome, stating, "the results of the ballot boxes indicate that we have lost ground. We will pinpoint the issues and implement necessary measures accordingly."
Read also | China's Unveiling of 30 Additional Place Names in Arunachal Pradesh
