Turkey’s Local Elections and the Future of Erdoğan’s Leadership
By Ibrahim Taha On May 2, 2019
Turkey held its first elections since the country formally transitioned to a presidential system on March 31st, 2019. The elections were held amidst warnings of an economic recession, as analysts described the vote as a referendum on Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Since sweeping into power in 2002, Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has maintained a majority of public support. Consecutive electoral victories of the AKP and President Erdoğan enabled economic growth which, in turn, has been credited to social, political, and economic reforms.
More:Turkey's Local Elections and the Future of Erdoğan's Leadership