The competition to lead city hall in Istanbul, Turkey’s biggest city and economic powerhouse, is essentially a battle between one candidate on the ballot and another who is not.
The first candidate is the incumbent, Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a rising figure in the political opposition who unexpectedly won in 2019 and is seen as a potential presidential contender.
The second candidate is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who previously served as Istanbul’s mayor and aims to regain control of the city for his ruling Justice and Development Party after Mr. Imamoglu’s victory.
The outcome will be determined by municipal elections on Sunday, which will greatly influence Turkey’s political trajectory.
A victory for Mr. Erdogan’s party would allow them to reclaim the political and financial power of governing Turkey’s largest city, further strengthening a leader criticized for authoritarian tendencies. On the other hand, a win for the incumbent mayor could energize the anti-Erdogan opposition and propel Mr. Imamoglu towards a potential presidential bid in 2028.
“This election will shape the future political landscape of Turkey,” stated Sinan Ulgen, the director of Edam, a research organization based in Istanbul.
The vote comes amid an extended economic crisis, marked by a devalued currency and widespread discontent. It follows previous elections that secured another term for Mr. Erdogan, thwarting opposition attempts to unseat him.
Despite public frustration over soaring inflation and government response to earthquakes, Mr. Erdogan emerged victorious in the previous election. The opposition’s defeat led to a fractured coalition.
Many opposition supporters view Mr. Imamoglu as the key to defeating Mr. Erdogan’s party, with high hopes for his presidential prospects.
On election day, voters across Turkey will select mayors and municipal officials, with a particular focus on Istanbul due to its significant political and economic influence.
As a city of 16 million people bridging Europe and Asia, Istanbul plays a crucial role in Turkey’s economy. The mayor wields substantial power over municipal resources and appointments, influencing the city’s direction.
The mayoral race is also personal for Mr. Erdogan, who rose to prominence as Istanbul’s mayor before advancing to higher political offices. His connection to the city is deep-rooted, and losing control of it to Mr. Imamoglu was a significant setback.
Mr. Erdogan has thrown his support behind Murat Kurum, a former minister and current lawmaker, to challenge Mr. Imamoglu. Mr. Kurum emphasizes his focus on improving services and earthquake preparedness in Istanbul.
The election presents a crucial moment for the future of Turkey’s political landscape, with implications beyond the control of Istanbul. The results will shape the trajectory of the country’s leadership and governance.
