Turkey election: Opposition stuns Recep Erdogan with victories in cities across country

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faced a setback as the opposition party secured victories in the major cities in Sunday’s local elections.

With more than 90% of the votes counted, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu—one of Erdogan’s top critics—representing the Republican People’s Party (CHP), maintained a commanding lead while Mansur Yavas, the Mayor of Ankara, secured his position with a 25-point lead over his opponent. 

In recent years, Turkey’s economy has been battered by high inflation and slumping currency, mainly due to Erdogan’s policies, according to economists. 

The opposition’s recent rise to power reflects voters’ discontent as they blame Erdogan for the current state of the economy.