According to pro-government media, there are those lining up to join the AKP

Although the AKP, which suffered a defeat in the March 31 Local Elections and fell to the position of the second party across Turkey for the first time, has transferred a large number of mayors since that date.

The most striking of these transfers was Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu.

Following the 2023 general elections, the AKP had also added 11 deputies elected with the votes of opposition parties to its own ranks through transfer moves.

According to a report by the pro-government newspaper Türkiye Gazetesi, it is claimed that the AKP, which has transferred exactly 56 mayors since the local elections, will continue its transfers and that new names are preparing to join.

CLAIMS OF 'CRIMINAL RECORD SCREENING' FOR JOINING

According to claims circulating in political circles, many mayors are in line to join, but these names are being subjected to a strict review within the party. It is alleged that some names, including some provincial mayors, have been kept waiting for a year and have not been able to pass the "sieve."

Party sources were quoted as saying, "We are examining the records of these individuals. Do they have any problems, are there any corruption investigations, are there any suspicious activities they have been involved in? Are they coming just to save themselves? We are looking at these, we are being very meticulous. We reject those who are problematic."

The report also included information that there will be transitions from deputies to the AKP in the coming days and that contacts with some names are ongoing.