Turkey's local elections — and whoever wins Istanbul — could dictate the future of the country
Upcoming local elections in Istanbul could reshape Turkey's political landscape.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
In Turkey, the upcoming local elections in major cities like Istanbul hold significant national implications, with the potential to reshape the country’s political landscape. Analysts believe that a victory for Istanbul’s incumbent mayor, a center-left candidate, could position him as a frontrunner for the presidency in 2028. The ruling AK Party faces a tough challenge from the opposition, with Istanbul seen as a crucial battleground due to its size and political influence. The outcome of the elections could either solidify the ruling party’s dominance or pave the way for a more pluralistic political environment. Despite economic challenges and media control favoring the ruling party, the opposition is gaining momentum, setting the stage for a closely contested election with high stakes for Turkey’s future political direction.