Voting ends in Turkey's high-stakes municipal elections, Erdogan's rival leads

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu led a challenger from President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party in local elections on Sunday, an initial count showed, in a potential boost for the Turkish opposition's effort to reassert itself as a political force.

In another blow to Erdogan, in the nation's second-largest city Ankara, incumbent opposition mayor Mansur Yavas declared victory over his AK Party (AKP) challenger less than three hours after polls closed in the nationwide municipal vote.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Turkey on Sunday (Mar 31) began voting in the high-stakes municipal elections focused on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's bid to reclaim control of Istanbul from rival Ekrem Imamoglu. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the results of the elections could now reinforce Erdogan's control of Turkey, or signal change in the major emerging economy's divided political landscape.

WhileImamoglu's victory in the election will fuel expectations of him becoming a future national leader. Reuters reported that polling stations opened at 7 am local time in eastern Turkey and elsewhere at 8 am. Voting will end at 5 pm and results are expected to be announced by 10 pm. More than 61 people are registered to vote in these elections.

A tight race in Istanbul

A tight race is expected in Istanbul, a city that drives the country's economy, as Imamoglu faces a challenge from the ruling AK Party (AKP) candidate Murat Kurum, a former government minister. Polls show that Imamoglu has a slight edge over Kurum.

While an Istanbul victory is crucial for President Erdogan, he also seeks to win back the capital Ankara.

In the previous local elections in 2019, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) won Istanbul and Ankara and ended more than 20 years of rule by the AKP and its Islamist predecessors.

Also watch |Turkey opposition aims to hit back at Erdogan in local elections

Meanwhile, Imamoglu has become the opposition's main alternative to Erdogan. If he wins a second mayoral term, he would very likely run in the next presidential vote, analysts say.

As per the existing constitution, the presidency is limited to two terms. Erdogan secured a third term last year thanks to a legal loophole resulting from the transition to a presidential system in 2018, as his initial term was served under the previous system.

(With inputs from agencies)