March 31, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in Türkiye's democratic journey as the nation gets ready for the much-anticipated local elections. On Sunday, polling stations will be open from 7am to 4 p.m. in eastern provinces and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the rest of the country. Initial results are expected by 10 p.m. (19.00 GMT) on Sunday. Scheduled to take place across all 81 provinces, these elections are to be of high importance.
The significance of the 2024 local elections cannot be overstated. These elections will determine the composition of local governments, from metropolitan municipalities to district councils and from mayors to village elders. Every position, from the mayor of Istanbul to the village heads, will be decided through the collective voice of the electorate.
In this election the mayors are selected to serve as the chief executives of their respective municipalities. These mayors wield significant influence over local governance, including budget allocations, infrastructure development, and public services.
In addition to mayoral races, voters will also elect members of municipal councils, provincial councils, and village councils. These councils play crucial roles in decision-making processes at the local level, representing the interests and aspirations of their constituents. These councils' composition often reflects the region's political landscape, providing insights into broader trends and shifts in public opinion.
Furthermore, local elections are not just about politics; they are about people. Village heads and the village councils of elders serve as leaders, bridging the gap between the government and the community. They preserve local traditions, resolve disputes, and foster solidarity among residents.
Economic pressures, demographic shifts, and social dynamics shape the electoral landscape, influencing voter preferences and political outcomes. Moreover, regional disparities and cultural diversity add layers of complexity to the electoral process.
As the nation prepares for these elections, all eyes are on Istanbul and Ankara (the capital city of Türkiye), two of Türkiye's largest and most influential cities. In Istanbul, the race for the mayoral seat has captured national attention, with incumbent Ekrem Imamoglu of the Republican People's Party (CHP) facing off against Murat Kurum from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
The mayoral race between Ekrem Imamoglu and Murat Kurum has been characterized by neck-and-neck competition, with various pollsters presenting contrasting results that reflect the tightness of the contest. According to surveys conducted by Metropoll, Imamoglu holds a slight edge over Kurum, with support ranging between 41.5% and 48.6%, while Kurum trails closely behind, with support ranging from 37% to 44.1%. These results underscore the fierce competition and uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the Istanbul mayoral race, with both candidates fiercely vying for the support of undecided voters and key demographics. Almost 11 million people are eligible to vote in the city of Istanbul, the Supreme Election Council says. Turnout in both general and local elections is very high in Türkiye at close to 90%.
For President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the AKP, reclaiming Istanbul is seen as crucial, as it would further improve Erdogan's political influence and pave the way for potential constitutional amendments to extend his rule beyond the current term limit. Conversely, a victory for Imamoglu would reaffirm the opposition's resilience and set the stage for a potential presidential bid in the future.
Meanwhile, in Ankara, the capital city, Mayor Mansur Yavaş of the CHP faces off against AKP's Turgut Altınok in another closely watched electoral contest. As the seat of government, Ankara holds significant symbolic and strategic importance, making the mayoral race a closely watched affair with implications for Türkiye's political landscape.
Across both cities, voters are presented with important choices that extend beyond local governance to national politics, reflecting broader debates about Türkiye's democratic future, economic development, and social cohesion. As citizens prepare to cast their ballots, the fate of Istanbul and Ankara hangs in the balance, awaiting the votes of millions of voters.
Works Cited
Ece Toksabay. “Turkey’s Local Election: A Test for Erdogan and His Rival Imamoglu.” Reuters, 28 Mar. 2024, Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
Birsen Altayli. “Turkish Opposition Disarray Lifts Erdogan’s Hopes of Winning Back Istanbul.” Reuters, 7 Mar. 2024, Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
Birsen Altayli, and Ali Kucukgocmen. “Turkey Local Election: Opposition Aims to Hit Back at Erdogan.” Reuters, 28 Mar. 2024, Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
“31 Mart Yerel Seçimleri: Anketlere Göre İstanbul’da Kim Önde?” Euronews, Euronews.com, 6 Mar. 2024, Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
“CNN TÜRK.”CNN TÜRK, 2023, Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.