Call for 'democracy' from Bahçetepe ahead of deputy mayor election in Gaziosmanpaşa

Following the operations targeting CHP mayors in Istanbul, deputy mayor elections will be held in the Avcılar, Büyükçekmece, and Gaziosmanpaşa municipalities.

New names will be temporarily elected to replace the mayors who have been suspended from duty by the Ministry of Interior.

In this context, the municipal councils are scheduled to convene on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

DISTRIBUTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS

In Avcılar, the CHP has 24, the AKP 10, the MHP 2, and the BBP 1 council member, while in Büyükçekmece, the CHP has 23, the AKP 12, and the MHP 2 members. In Gaziosmanpaşa, there are 16 AKP, 3 MHP, and 16 CHP members.

Hakan Bahçetepe, who took office as a CHP mayor in Gaziosmanpaşa following the March 31, 2024 elections, shared a message via social media from the Marmara Prison where he is being held.

Bahçetepe included the following statements in his message:

"Dear residents of Gaziosmanpaşa, tomorrow, on June 11, a new deputy mayor election will be held in our municipal council.

The Republican People's Party administration, elected by your will on March 31, 2024, must continue its duty with the trust of our people.

I call out to the AK Party and MHP council members: Uphold the will of Gaziosmanpaşa, listen to the voice of your conscience.

The future of this district must be shaped by the choice of our people. Let us protect justice and democracy together."

This call by Bahçetepe has emerged as a significant development ahead of the election to be held tomorrow in Gaziosmanpaşa.