With local elections in Turkey approaching, thousands of volunteer election monitors are being trained on detecting fraud and ensuring a fair vote. The upcoming Sunday vote will determine control of localities across the country, with closely watched mayoral races in major cities like Istanbul expected to be tight. In the previous election that saw opposition candidate Ekrem Imamoglu win the mayor’s office in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s party forced a do-over based on claims of irregularities, although independent monitors found no evidence of large-scale fraud.
Erdogan, seeking to regain control of major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, faces a tough battle against Imamoglu in Istanbul. Imamoglu, the current mayor of Istanbul, is viewed as a potential presidential challenger, highlighting the significance of retaining key cities for his pro-secular, center-left Republican People’s Party. A strong showing in the upcoming elections could allow Erdogan to push for a new constitution that aligns with his conservative views and extends his rule beyond 2028.
Volunteer election monitors are crucial to ensuring a fair election, particularly in an environment where trust in the electoral system has declined. Independent groups such as Oy ve Otesi are recruiting volunteers to oversee the election process and contest possible irregularities, with a focus on key cities like Istanbul. While observers emphasize the importance of counting every vote accurately, there are concerns about the lack of manpower for monitoring in the upcoming elections, reflecting some voters’ disillusionment with the ability to bring about change.
Past elections in Turkey have been marred by allegations of ballot rigging and irregularities, fueling public distrust in the electoral process. In 2017, ballot papers without official stamps were allowed to be counted in a referendum that expanded the president’s powers, leading to accusations of fraud. Monitoring groups like Oy ve Otesi have played a significant role in preventing irregularities, although no evidence has been found to impact the outcome of the polls. As volunteers undergo training on the election process and identifying discrepancies, the focus remains on ensuring that voters’ will is accurately reflected in the results.
The upcoming elections in Turkey hold significant implications for the country’s political landscape, with the outcome likely to shape future governance and policies. Analysts suggest that a strong showing for Erdogan could pave the way for further consolidation of power and the pursuit of a new constitution. However, opposition parties are mobilizing to challenge the ruling party’s dominance in key cities, setting the stage for a closely contested vote. As volunteers gear up for their monitoring roles, the focus remains on upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring a fair and transparent election. Follow AP’s global elections coverage for the latest updates on the local elections in Turkey.
