Turkey’s opposition CHP’s Ekrem Imamoglu bagged a significant win in the rerun of Istanbul’s Mayoral polls. AKP’s Binali Yıldırım conceded with 45% votes
Mirroring the initial result, the rerun of Istanbul’s Mayoral polls marked a landmark win for the opposition leader, Ekrem Imamoglu.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan-led Justice and Development Party (AKP) faced a serious hit as it’s Mayoral candidate Binali Yıldırım conceded with 45% votes.
According to the Sunday rerun result, Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) Ekrem Imamoglu bagged a clear majority with 54% votes.
Addressing the voters, Imamoglu said, “You have protected the reputation of democracy in Turkey.” He further assured a “new beginning” for the city of Istanbul.
He said, “We are starting a new page in Istanbul. On this new page, there will be justice, equality, love. Today 16 million Istanbullus have refreshed our belief in democracy.”
Former Prime Minister and AKP candidate, Binali Yildirim congratulated his opponent on the significant win.
He said, “According to the result as of now, my competitor. He is leading the race. I congratulate him and wish him good luck.”
Ekrem Imamoglu’s win also marked the end of 17 years of AKP-rule in the commercial capital of Turkey.
Istanbul’s Mayoral Elections were first held on March 31. The results indicated a narrow win for CHP’s Ekrem Imamoglu. In an attempt to turn the result around, AKP demanded a rerun.
Sunday’s rerun brought with it a clear win for him. His electoral campaign promised equality through the reduction ethnic, religious and class divide across Istanbul.
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