Turkey's main opposition party has claimed big election victories in the main cities of Istanbul and Ankara.
In a fervent display of jubilation outside the Istanbul Municipality headquarters, a massive crowd gathered to celebrate the reelection of opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, marking a significant victory for the Republican People's Party (CHP) in the recent municipal elections.
Mayor Imamoglu, a prominent figure in both Turkish and Western media, emerged on stage amidst a sea of red Turkish flags and ecstatic supporters, donning his signature white shirt, a symbol of his battle against the ruling party.
"We have won the election!" Imamoglu declared confidently, even before the official results were announced, signalling a stunning upset for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP), which had anticipated a landslide victory.
The victory holds particular significance for Mayor Imamoglu, who not only secures his position following a hard-fought battle in 2019 but also delivers a resounding blow to Erdogan's recent efforts in backing AKP's candidate, Murat Qurum, in his bid for the mayoral office.
As the news spread throughout the city, echoing car horns and shouts of joy filled the air, underscoring the magnitude of the opposition's triumph. Amidst chants of "Turkey is awake and will remain so," some called for Erdogan's resignation, although Imamoglu urged restraint and respect for the office of the head of state.
"This is just the beginning," remarked Ege Ershoz, 19, in the wake of the opposition's victory. "For the first time, the AKP has suffered such a defeat. The people have opened their eyes and voted for candidates prioritising the economy, education, and the future of the youth."
Esra Palasoglu, another fervent supporter of the opposition, hailed the election results as a triumph of democracy, stating, "People have awakened in Turkey. Regardless of political affiliations, everyone has united to teach Erdogan a lesson."
The victory, albeit delayed in the eyes of some, signifies a decisive setback for the AKP, with hopes among opposition supporters for a complete overhaul of the ruling party's grip on power.
(Source: Amna)
