Opposition-held municipalities eager to join AK Party post-elections

Several municipalities, currently under opposition control, are reportedly poised to align with the ruling AK Party following the March 31 local elections. Sources indicate that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has advised them to “hold off,” stating “now is not the time.”

It has been reported that right after the March 31 local elections, some municipalities under opposition control expressed their desire to switch to AK Party. President Erdogan has advised the central party administration to hold off, citing the potential undermining of voter confidence as a reason for the delay. AK Party sources emphasized Erdogan’s sensitivity to ensuring that immediate post-election party switches do not damage the electorate’s trust.

There have also been requests from mayors who ran as candidates from different parties or as independents but campaigned with promises of joining the AK Party if elected. President Erdogan has reportedly deemed it inappropriate for these mayors to join the party at this time, effectively closing the door on their requests for now.

The expansion strategy of the party prioritizes the policies developed over its 22 years in power. Ensuring that mayors have not been involved in any dubious or suspicious activities is a key consideration. Between the 2019 and 2024 local elections, around 50 municipalities switched to the AK Party, and it is expected that this number could increase further in the current period.

Tweet: Many opposition-held municipalities are waiting to join the ruling AK Party after the March 31 local elections, as per President Erdoğan’s directive to “wait.”