President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conceded in the early hours of Monday that his Justice and Development Party (AK) had lost the Turkish municipal elections, with the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) taking the lead.
Erdogan described the election outcome as a pivotal moment rather than a defeat, emphasizing that democracy and the national will are the true winners, irrespective of the results. He praised the Turkish people for delivering their messages to politicians through the ballot box, highlighting that the election's victor is Turkey itself and its democracy, for which many have paid a high price.
With 76.92% of ballots counted, the CHP led with 37.15% of the vote, narrowly edging out the AKP, which received 36.12%. The loss marks a significant shift in Turkish politics, with the CHP securing victories in crucial cities, including Istanbul and Ankara, reflecting a changing voter sentiment and a demand for change.
