As the countdown continues for the local elections on March 31, 2024, Istanbul remains one of the most closely watched cities in these critical polls.
The AKP, in its bid to reclaim Istanbul, which it lost in 2019, has fielded Murat Kurumagainst the incumbent Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Having decided to enter the local elections 'independently and freely', The IYI Party's candidate Buğra Kavuncu was announced.
Having closed the doors to an alliance with the AKP, the New Welfare Party's (YRP) Istanbul candidate is Mehmet Altınöz. while, the DEM Party will Meral Danış Beştaş and Murat Çepnienter the race with.
According to a report in the Türkiye newspaper, known for its proximity to the government AKP strategists assess that the Yeniden Refah Party's nomination of Mehmet Altınöz as its Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) mayoral candidate is a disadvantage for them.
"A NECK-AND-NECK RACE"
Speaking about the Istanbul polls, AKP strategists said, "Currently, there is a neck-and-neck situation in Istanbul" they stated.
AKP strategists claimed, "Our latest polls show a 0.4 percent difference between İmamoğlu and Murat Kurum in favor of Kurum."
WILL BE DECIDED BY SMALL MARGINS
Stating that "The wind is in Kurum's favor and he is on an upward trend," AKP strategists added, "The fact that DEM and YRP are fielding candidates makes the Istanbul election even more of a knife-edge race. The election will be decided by very small margins."
News Source: 12punto
