27.08.2026 10:50
The roadmap the CHP will follow in case of a possible mayoral election in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has become clear. CHP officials stated that, in order to prevent the IBB from changing hands, they will implement Kılıçdaroğlu's strategy in Istanbul as well, supporting the 'New Party candidate' if necessary, as was done in Menderes.
The roadmap that CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu will follow in the event of a possible mayoral election in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) has become clear. It was stated that, in case the party's vote share remains low, the CHP administration could also activate the strategy of "supporting the New Party's candidate," which was implemented in Izmir's Menderes district, in Istanbul as well.
While balances in municipal assemblies and possible local election scenarios are being discussed in Turkish politics, a critical move signal came from the CHP front for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. According to the news in Türkiye newspaper; CHP aides conveyed that if a mayoral election were to be held at IBB, Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu would reference his stance during the election process in the Menderes district.
PRIORITY IS THAT IBB DOES NOT CHANGE HANDS
According to information obtained from the CHP administration; it was emphasized that the main goal is for an already won municipality not to leave the opposition bloc. Party aides, recalling Kılıçdaroğlu's instruction during the local election process in Menderes to "vote for the New Party's candidate," stated that a similar approach would also be valid for Istanbul.
"THE STANCE IN MENDERES WILL ALSO BE APPLIED IN ISTANBUL"
CHP aides made the following assessments regarding the possible election scenario: "The stance in Menderes was absolutely correct, and the same stance will be exhibited in Istanbul. A won municipality should not change hands in this way. Here, the priority is that IBB does not change hands. We want the mayor and council members to continue in CHP. Therefore, a municipality elected from CHP must remain in CHP."