Imamoglu Emerges as Sole Candidate in Pre-Election; Several Deputies Fail to Sign
Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has emerged as the sole candidate in the pre-election, as reported by CNN TÜRK. Imamoglu, who is also the CHP presidential candidate, submitted his application to participate in the preliminary election and will be competing alone on March 23.
Initially, it was expected that Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş would also participate in the pre-election against Ekrem İmamoğlu. However, Yavaş decided not to compete and determine his candidacy for the presidential race.
In an effort to ensure Imamoglu’s uncontested candidacy, CHP former Istanbul deputy Dursun Cicek started collecting signatures on his behalf. However, they were unable to gather the required 20 signatures for Imamoglu to become the sole candidate.
Despite efforts to get complete support from all 133 CHP deputies, only 116 signed in favor of Imamoglu’s nomination. The remaining 17 deputies did not sign due to the early candidate determination process.
According to the CHP charter, the presidential candidate is determined through voting by the CHP group, which comprises the deputies. Imamoglu’s candidacy will be voted upon by the group before an official announcement is made prior to the Ramadan Feast.
Meanwhile, as these developments unfold, the CHP is reportedly in a rush backstage to finalize their candidate selection. Mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mansur Yavaş attracted attention with a visit where he met with Yusuf Halaçoğlu, the president of the newly established party Kutlu Party.
The political landscape continues to evolve as preparations for the upcoming elections intensify.
