AKP's poll for Istanbul revealed: Prominent names cannot surpass İmamoğlu
The results of a poll commissioned by the AKP for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality candidacy, as the party aims to reclaim the metropolitan cities lost in the 2019 local elections, have emerged. It has been learned that the discussed candidates cannot surpass the incumbent Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu.
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There is less than 6 months left until the local elections to be held on March 31, 2024. While alliance discussions continue on the opposition front, the AKP aims to win back the metropolitan cities it lost in 2019, primarily Istanbul.
According to insider information reported by Nuray Babacan from Gazete Pencere, efforts to find a 'strong and effective candidate' have accelerated behind closed doors in the AKP in recent weeks.
Accordingly, it is stated that among the two names discussed for Istanbul, former Minister of Environment Murat Kurum stands out, while Tevfik Göksu and Adil Karaismailoğlu, who were also asked to voters, remain behind.
“THE BREAKAWAY IS AROUND 2-3 PERCENT”
“The main result that surprised the AKP members is the one regarding İmamoğlu. It is seen that Istanbulites have not yet given up on İmamoğlu,” wrote Babacan, adding, “Currently, the rate of those who prefer İmamoğlu is 41 percent. Allegedly, he is 4 points ahead of the AKP. Interestingly, there is no breakaway from İmamoğlu among IYI Party and HEDEP voters yet. The majority of the voters of these parties who voted for İmamoğlu in the last election are standing behind him. It is claimed that the breakaway is seen to be around 2-3 percent.”
“THEY DID NOT LIKE THE CHANGE”
Writing that AKP staff are also closely monitoring the congress process in the CHP, Babacan stated, “It seems they are not very pleased with the recent success of the team that wants change. They interpret that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu winning the chairmanship race at the CHP congress would increase their chances in the local elections, that disgruntled voters would punish CHP candidates, and that this would provide them with an advantage.”
“MINDS ARE ALSO CONFUSED ABOUT THE ANKARA CANDIDATE”
Sharing insider information by saying “There are those who say, ‘We never thought we would want Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to win’,” Babacan added, “Because it is stated that the start of change in the CHP would instill hope in the disgruntled base, that this would turn into an advantage for CHP candidates, and that the prevailing wind would affect the election results. In the AKP, minds are still confused about the Ankara candidate. Although Turgut Altınok is talked about a lot, it does not seem to have fully convinced them. It is stated that their job in Ankara is very difficult.”