Turkey’s Elections and the Politics of Uncertainty

It appears that the political and social tensions are unlikely to subside soon following Turkey’s March 30 local elections. While all major contenders claim to have improved their electoral performance in comparison to previous local elections, the main beneficiary is the AKP. Erdoğan feels that his policies have been vindicated and he enjoys the support of a solid majority of voters. His strong showing has stimulated speculation that he is reconsidering the presidency. Certain problems need to be ironed out in the process of moving the elections ahead. And it seems the strategy of polarizing the electorate was more than electoral, one Erdoğan plans to use to achieve full political control of all governmental institutions.

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