In a setback to Turkey's Erdogan, opposition makes huge gains in local election
NPR Online NewsMar 28
Turkish Opposition Party Wins Plurality in Local Elections
The Facts
Turkey's leading opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), made significant gains against Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in local elections held over the weekend.
The CHP won 37.8% of the vote, its highest share since 1977, while the AKP only won 35.5%, its worst showing in local elections since the party was founded over 20 years ago. Erdoğan acknowledged his party's losses, calling them "a turning point."
The Spin
Narrative A
Every citizen of Turkey should feel proud that they live in an energetic and pluralistic democracy in which the people can tell those in power how they feel and express their grievances with the state. Pres. Erdoğan, throughout his tenure, has consistently demonstrated his desire to listen to the Turkish people and enact their wishes. This election, though certainly a turning point for the AKP, is by no means the end. The AKP will reflect on this election and continue working toward the interests of the Turkish people.
Narrative B
Erdoğan is correct in celebrating Turkish democracy. However, he should be feeling a lot of pressure as his grip on power begins to loosen. Erdoğan has consistently demonstrated his desire to subvert Turkish democracy for his own financial and political interests. Though he may be an authoritarian, Erdoğan is not a dictator, and the Turkish opposition should now feel a new surge of energy moving forward. With coordination and will, Erdoğan can be ousted and Turkey's democracy renewed.