Opposition’s local elections win shows voters are unhappy with Erdogan’s government, experts say

By ANDREW WILKS
Associated Press

ISTANBUL (AP) — The opposition’s surprise success in Turkey’s local elections, which saw it outperform President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party and add to municipalities gained five years ago, has left many wondering if it’s a turning point for the country reeling from economic hardship. The main opposition, the center-left Republican People’s Party kept hold of Istanbul and the capital Ankara by wide margins and added wins in conservative provinces such as Adiyaman in the south. The party won in 35 of Turkey’s 81 provinces – including the country’s five most populous cities – while Erdogan’s party took 24. Crucially, the opposition took 37.7% of the nationwide vote while the AKP secured 35.5%. Experts said Monday it was a huge turning point for the country.