Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), is holding its first-ever primary election today to select a presidential candidate—amid dramatic developments. The sole candidate, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, was formally arrested and remanded in custody earlier in the day, sparking outrage and stimulated a massive turnout across the country.
Voting runs from 8am to 5pm local time at over 5,600 polling stations nationwide. While officially open to party members, the CHP has encouraged all citizens to participate, installing “solidarity ballot boxes” for non-members.
The primary vote, seen as a symbolic act of resistance against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government, has drawn significant attention and long queues, with many viewing İmamoğlu’s arrest as being politically motivated. CHP leader Özgür Özel and spouse Dilek were among those casting votes early in the day.
The election outcome may shape not only the opposition’s 2028 presidential bid but also any potential snap elections before then.
