İstanbul mayor signals re-run in upcoming local elections

İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has given a signal that he will be a candidate again in the upcoming local elections to be held in March.

Speaking at an opening ceremony, İmamoğlu stated his commitment to work towards uniting opposition parties, similar to the collaboration witnessed in the 2019 elections.

He said, "We need to set aside our disputes and collectively focus on this process as a nation. Achieving this significant feat requires us to act together without divisions. Just like in the 2019 elections, I will do my best to establish a cross-party İstanbul alliance."

However, İmamoğlu later clarified, "I am expressing that I am embarking on this journey, but saying I am a candidate is not politically accurate. There is a proper procedure and process for candidacy."

"Change" campaign

After the election defeat in May, İmamoğlu initiated a "change" campaign within the Republican People's Party (CHP). However, he did not directly call for the resignation of the party's leader, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, nor did he explicitly declare his own candidacy for the party leadership.

In an online meeting leaked to the press, İmamoğlu was seen discussing the possibility of convening an extraordinary party congress with CHP deputies and executives.

Today, İmamoğlu ruled out his candidacy for the party leadership while reiterating his commitment to a transition of the party. "I have not been part of a discussion centered around a position. I wasn't in 2019 either, and my party knows this. One of those who knows this best is our esteemed leader.

"CHP has knowledgeable and honorable members who understand its history. They are ready to take on responsibilities. One of them, whose name I mention due to its circulation, is [parliamentary group leader] Özgür Özel." (VK)