The Istanbul knot…

There are only a few days left until the March 31 local elections. It is being stated that this election could turn into a referendum for the ruling power. The voter might issue a warning. Or they might say, “We are very satisfied, no stopping, keep going!” Currently, the possibility of the first option seems higher.

Undoubtedly, Istanbul is the city of greatest importance in every sense—economic, social, historical, and symbolic. Government ministers, along with the power of the ruling party, are in the field to win back Istanbul. Their biggest rivals are the high cost of living!

The Central Bank's interest rate hikes, the increase in exchange rates, inflation, price hikes, eroding salaries… The seal and the decision lie with the millions of laborers who feel the hardship closely in every area of life.

ISTANBUL BY THE NUMBERS

The number of voters who will cast ballots across Turkey in the March 31 local elections is 61 million 441 thousand 882. The number of first-time voters is 1 million 32 thousand 610.

There are a total of 11 million 314 thousand 516 people who will head to the polls in Istanbul. 18.41 percent of the country's voters are in Istanbul.

In the May 14 General and Presidential elections, the turnout rate in Istanbul reached a record level of 90.53 percent. In the second round of the Presidential election on May 28, 2023, this rate decreased by approximately 3 percent, falling to 87.84 percent.

It is observed that the opposition bloc was 2 points ahead of the ruling bloc in both rounds.

The turnout rate in the previous local elections in Istanbul, held on March 31, 2019, was 83.88 percent. CHP candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu received 48.80 percent (4 million 171 thousand 115) of the votes, while AKP candidate Binali Yıldırım received 48.55 percent (4 million 149 thousand 656).

In the elections that İmamoğlu won, but which were canceled and repeated on June 23, turnout increased, and 84.44 percent of registered voters went to the polls. İmamoğlu received 54.21 percent (4 million 169 thousand 765) of the votes, and AKP candidate Binali Yıldırım received 44.99 percent (3 million 935 thousand 429).

In this election, which is generally seen as less exciting compared to the previous one, I predict that the turnout rate will not fall below the 80 percent band. Of course, while an increase in turnout is not a magic wand, it would be a gain for democracy and the future.

MORE THAN JUST A CITY...

Let's continue with the numbers…

Carrying meanings far beyond just a city in historical, commercial, social, and cultural terms, Istanbul, according to UNFPA data, leaves 131 countries behind with its population of 15 million 655 thousand 924.

It is the most populous city in Europe. It is home to 18.34 percent of Turkey's population. More than 30 percent of the Turkish economy is here. In addition to production, trade, and tourism, it holds a dominant position in social and cultural life. According to research by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO), 30 liras of every 100 liras of national income produced in our country, and almost half (49 dollars) of every 100 dollars of foreign trade, are in this city. It has more national income than the total of almost 68 provinces…

I will stop with the numbers here…

Even though its crowds and traffic can be exhausting, Istanbul is still the unique Istanbul. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. An ancient city that has served as a capital to empires…

Because Istanbul is not just Istanbul!

You know, there was once a mayor of Esenyurt. He would start counting by saying, “If this place goes…” and would use people's beliefs and values to navigate political turns. He would take things to holy cities… The result?

Every inch of our homeland is valuable, of course. We won, saved, and protected it with the blood of our martyrs in the War of Independence. We founded our Republic. Every part of our heavenly homeland is beautiful in its own way!

Leaving its beauty aside, why do we say Istanbul?

When we say Istanbul, we are trying to state its strategic and symbolic importance for today, based on the numbers we listed above.

It is no coincidence that the heart of politics and the election atmosphere, with only days remaining, is beating in Istanbul right now. The ruling power is here with all its resources!

We are not emphasizing the rent of this city, but its importance for our Republic and our future.

Yes, it is true. Perhaps we do not have the chance to choose our option today. But if you are in a state of indecision or hopelessness, it is in the hands of the citizen to think, deliberate, and make a decision!

Those who cannot decide what to choose should first clarify what they will not choose. The rest will surely follow!

Going to the polls for Istanbul, for Turkey, and for the Republic is a responsibility.

But this way or that… We can discuss that again on April 1. There are two options on March 31.

Istanbul is not just Istanbul. The seal for the future is in your hands, in mine, in all of ours! Think for a moment and decide!