Turkey is set to hold local government elections on March 31, with a focus on Istanbul and Ankara. Both cities are currently under opposition control, providing an opportunity for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to gain ground. Despite failing to remove him from power in the 2023 general elections, Erdogan’s opponents remain divided, allowing him to benefit from their disunity.
For Erdogan, these elections are crucial. At 70 years old, he has stated that they will be the last in his political career. However, if candidates he supports win and amendments are made to the constitution, it could potentially extend his presidential term. Istanbul holds particular significance for Erdogan as it has been a battleground between Western and Islamic values. His election as mayor of the city in 1994 marked the beginning of his national political career.
As the political landscape in Turkey continues to evolve, anticipation and speculation about the outcomes of these elections are high. With various factions vying for power and influence, these elections will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the direction of the country and its leadership.
