Millions in Turkey Participate in Symbolic Vote to Support Jailed Opposition Leader
A massive grassroots movement swept across Turkey as millions of citizens participated in a symbolic vote to express solidarity with jailed former Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, according to AFP. Originally intended as a primary election for the Republican People’s Party (CHP) to select its presidential candidate, the vote transformed into a broader democratic statement following Imamoglu’s arrest on March 19.
“We won’t give in to despair,” said 38-year-old Aslihan, one of the many voters who waited in long lines to cast their ballots. In a significant move, the CHP opened the vote to all citizens, not just its 1.7 million members, turning the primary into a nationwide referendum on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s political dominance.
City hall reported an overwhelming turnout, with 15 million votes cast, including 13.2 million from non-party members. The massive participation forced officials to extend voting hours by three and a half hours. Polling stations, set up in 81 cities, saw crowds forming well before the official opening time.
“Whenever there’s a strong opponent (to Erdogan), they are always jailed,” said 29-year-old Ferhat. “There is a dictatorship in Turkey right now, nothing else. It’s politics in name only.”
Protesters and supporters gathered in large numbers around Istanbul City Hall and other key locations. “We’ve come to support our mayor,” said Kadriye Sevim, speaking from within a protest tent. “No power has the right to do this to Turkish youth or the people of Turkey. We will stand against this until the end,” echoed 18-year-old student Ece Nazoskoc.
Similar scenes unfolded in Istanbul’s Kadikoy and Kasimpasa districts, as well as in cities ranging from Ankara to Diyarbakir and rural Thrace.
“We all voted, it was like a party!” said 51-year-old Sevil Dogruguven from Edirne. “In the countryside near Thrace, people even came to the town halls to cast their ballots.”
Retired teacher Nurcan Kabacioglu expressed her determination, stating, “There is no such thing as a hopeless situation, just discouraged people. I never gave up hope.” Aslihan, reflecting on the significance of the vote, added, “This is the first mass protest since the Gezi protests… I feel much stronger and more hopeful. But I feel this is our last chance.”
The symbolic vote not only demonstrated widespread support for Imamoglu but also highlighted growing public discontent with Erdogan’s administration. The event underscored the resilience of Turkey’s opposition and its commitment to democratic principles in the face of political challenges.
