Nevşehir Mayor Rasim Arı rejoins AKP: He had previously resigned and joined the İYİ Party

Rasim Arı, who began his political career under the AKP umbrella, won the March 31, 2019, Local Administration Elections as the AKP's candidate for Mayor of Nevşehir and became mayor. Drawing attention with the projects he implemented and his municipal work after taking office, Arı held this position for approximately 21 months.

Rasim Arı resigned from his position as Mayor of Nevşehir on January 29, 2021, citing health issues. After leaving his post, Arı remained away from active politics for a while and also resigned from his AKP membership on January 18, 2022.

Approximately one year later, on March 24, 2023, Arı joined the İYİ Party, and his party pin was attached by the then-İYİ Party Chair Meral Akşener. Arı appeared before voters again as the İYİ Party's candidate for Mayor of Nevşehir in the March 31, 2024, Local Administration Elections.

Rasim Arı was re-elected Mayor of Nevşehir in the 2024 local elections, receiving more than 52 percent of the votes. Thus, returning to the mayoral office for the second time after a break of approximately three years, Arı continued to serve in his position.

Rasim Arı, who will have his AKP pin re-attached at the Extended Provincial Chairs Meeting to be held at the AKP Headquarters, will be returning to his former party after approximately four and a half years.