07 May 2019 | 08:27 AM UTC
Turkey: Local Istanbul election reruns scheduled for June 23
Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council (YSK) announces June 23 date for reelection for Istanbul mayoral elections; associated demonstrations possible in coming days and weeks
Event
According to a representative from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Turkey's Supreme Electoral Council (YSK) annulled the results of Istanbul's mayoral elections on Monday, May 6, and ordered a rerun. The new election date is set for June 23. Hundreds of people attended anti-government protests in Istanbul to protest the decision. Further demonstrations are possible in the coming weeks and a heightened security presence and localized disruptions are possible near any such events. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Context
Tensions between political parties in Turkey have risen since candidates from the opposition Nation's Alliance - led by the Republican People's Party (CHP) and Good Party (İyi Party) - initially won the cities of Ankara and Istanbul, defeating candidates from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) during local elections on March 31.
Advice
Individuals in Turkey are advised to monitor local developments, refrain from discussing domestic political affairs in public or on social media, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
