The AKP's Thirst for Power Risks Leaving Turkey High and Dry
On March 31, it looked as if the Republican People's Party (CHP) had successfully wrenched Istanbul's mayorship from Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) party, which has held the economically and politically powerful position for nearly two decades. But despite securing nearly 14,000 more votes than its rival, the CHP's victory was short-lived. After the results were announced, the AKP was quick to allege election fraud, resulting in the decision to rerun the election. Should it face another loss in the June 23 revote, the party is likely to repeat the tactic — laying bare just how far the AKP will go to secure control over the city.
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