Turkish opposition leader criticises AKP after Üsküdar municipal shift

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has condemned the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) after it regained executive control of Istanbul's Üsküdar district through a deputy mayoral vote. Speaking at a public gathering in Üsküdar, Özel accused President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of disregarding the voters' mandate, questioning, "Is this your understanding of democracy?"

In a separate broadcast on Koza TV, Özel described the local council vote as one of the darkest moments in Turkish electoral history. However, he also addressed recent dialogue between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and Erdoğan, defending the meeting as a necessary administrative step for public service and municipal governance. The CHP had previously secured the presidency in Üsküdar during the local elections before the recent council vote shifted authority back to the AKP.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet