Erdogan: Turkish Elections a Triumph for Democracy
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the recent municipal elections in Türkiye as a testament to the nation's democratic spirit. Speaking at the headquarters of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Erdogan emphasized the significance of the elections in showcasing Turkish democracy.
“In essence, irrespective of the outcome, the true victor of these elections is our democracy, the collective will of our people. The winners of this electoral contest are not merely the candidates, but rather Türkiye itself, encompassing all 85 million citizens, regardless of their political affiliations,” declared the Turkish leader.
Erdogan stressed the paramount importance of the people’s will, expressing gratitude to voters who participated in the electoral process and lauding the efforts of election commissions and security forces in ensuring a smooth process. He underscored the maturity of Turkish democracy and the resilience of its institutions.
Looking ahead, Erdogan emphasized the significance of the next four years and called for effective governance, urging against wasteful debates. He pledged to continue serving the people, focusing on enhancing welfare, security, and prospects for the future, while reaffirming Türkiye’s international role.
The municipal elections, held on Sunday, March 31, saw participation across various provinces, with voting times ranging from 07:00 to 16:00 local time in certain regions and from 08:00 to 17:00 in others. More than 61 million registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots at 206,845 polling stations across the country.
Candidates from 34 political parties, including Erdogan’s AKP, as well as independent contenders, vied for positions in the elections, signaling a diverse political landscape.
