Deposed Istanbul Mayor Vows ‘Revolution’ for Democracy

Istanbul’s deposed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was stripped of his election win this week, told AFP he would lead a “revolution” for democracy ahead of next month’s re-run of the vote.

“What we are doing now is a fight for democracy and mobilization for democracy. It will of course be a revolution once we carry it to its conclusion,” he told AFP.

Turkey’s top election body annulled the results of the March 31 mayoral vote on Monday, after the ruling party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan alleged “serious corruption” in the count.

“The seven members (of the election body) will take their place in history like a black stain, but it is our responsibility to correct it. We keep on fighting,” said Imamoglu, who represents the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).

“I wish they had done their job. They failed to do so,” he added, speaking in his office on the outskirts of Istanbul.

The loss of Turkey’s economic hub was a major setback for Erdogan and his party, which has relied on the city’s financial resources to maintain networks of patronage.

It was the first time the opposition had taken control of Istanbul in 25 years and was particularly sensitive for Erdogan, himself a former mayor of the 15-million strong metropolis.

Asked how his party would avoid any irregularities when the election is re-run on June 23, Imamoglu said: “We will be very cautious.

“We will fight hard. You will see hundreds of thousands get involved in the process. They will do their duty at the ballot box,” he told AFP.

“Thousands, tens of thousands of lawyers not only from Istanbul but from all over Turkey will help run the process with the ultimate goal of zero mistakes.”

There has been an outpouring of support for Imamoglu on social media, including from businesses and artists under the slogan “Everything will be fine”.

“This is a proof of Turkey’s faith in democracy. This nation is fond of their freedom,” Imamoglu said of the media campaign.

Even some of Erdogan’s former allies in the ruling party have criticized the annulment of the election result.

Former prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu wrote on Twitter on Tuesday: “The biggest loss for political movements is not losing elections but the loss of moral superiority and social conscience.”

Asked if he thought his campaign now had the momentum to take him all the way to the presidency, Imamoglu said “time will tell”.

“Our goal right now is the Istanbul mayor’s office. We want to run Istanbul,” he said.

“We want to take back what we have already won.”