Turkey: Local Elections with Regional and International Implications

Assessment Report (ACRPS) 13 April, 2014                                                                العربية
Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies

Policy Analysis Unit *

Though the Justice and Development Party (AKP) was anticipated to win the Turkish local elections, the opposition banked on the AKP losing Istanbul, making their victory in Istanbul a shock to many. The AKP’s overall share of the vote was also a surprise considering the recent corruption allegations against some government ministers, the opposition’s extensive efforts to defeat the ruling party, and the recent standoff between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his former ally, Fethullah Gulen. This time around, it turns out the AKP fared far better than in previous elections when the political climate had been more favorable.

* The Policy Analysis unit within the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies is composed of a number of researchers who work collectively. During regular meetings, these researchers discuss the recent issues of high strategic and political importance, study them and collaborate on following and monitoring the relevant events, and forecasting their expected results on the region.

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