Thousands of Ekrem Imamoglu’s supporters took to the streets of Istanbul. They are campaigning for the main opposition leader of Turkiye, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s (CHP) party after his detainment on Wednesday. Imamoglu, who was elected as the mayor of Turkiye's largest city in March 2019, was detained over alleged corruption and "terror" links. His arrest is viewed by many as a strategic play. It seeks to eliminate a potent electoral rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of Turkiye’s fiercely contested national election scheduled for May 14.
Imamoglu was expected to announce his candidacy for the 2028 presidential election. His chances took a turn for the worse when one of the universities in Istanbul rejected his diploma as invalid. This disqualification prevented him from competing in the presidential race, as the Turkish Constitution mandates a university degree for potential presidential candidates. Imamoglu has publicly stated that he plans to contest this decision, raising serious doubt as to the soundness of the university’s move.
The mayor of opposition party CHP has condemned Imamoglu’s arrest. The Istanbul party overwhelmingly supports Imamoglu, who was to be the party’s presidential candidate on Sunday. When she was arrested, protests immediately broke out in Istanbul and throughout Turkiye in defense of her. Demonstrators expressed their frustration at what they view as a retaliatory move designed to silence dissent.
Protesters have come out all over Istanbul, even with closures on major roadways and key bridges, on what is now the third day of widespread protests. Imamoglu speaking to an enthusiastic crowd that he said numbered 300,000. That turnout underscores how much support he still commands among Turkiye’s people.
"Don't be silent! Otherwise, they'll come for you," urged protesters, echoing fears of further government crackdowns.
Unlike his challenger, President Erdogan has written off the protests as yet another attempt to undermine a recently launched anticorruption operation.
"An anticorruption operation in Istanbul is being used as an excuse to stir unrest in our streets. I want it to be known that we will not allow a handful of opportunists to bring unrest to Turkiye just to protect their plundering schemes," Erdogan stated.
Imamoglu’s dramatic election in 2019 led to a historic defeat for Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party. United opposition Imamoglu emerged as a leading force against Erdogan’s 20-year rule when he won the mayoralty of Istanbul last year. His arrest now calls into question the openness and impartiality Turkiye’s political environment.
With uncertainty hanging over Istanbul, supporters and critics of the new law both wait to see what happens next. The protests point to deep-seated divisions within Turkiye’s increasingly authoritarian political environment and further emphasize the volatile, unpredictable nature of its electoral system.
