Main opposition gears up for presidential election amid candidate speculation

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has already started gearing up for the presidential elections, with speculation swirling around potential candidates.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is widely rumored as a leading contender should an early election occur. Meanwhile, discussions are intensifying over who might succeed him as the mayor of Istanbul.

Potential successors for Istanbul’s mayorship

CHP’s Uskudar Mayor Sinem Dedetas has expressed readiness to step into the role, declaring, “I am quite prepared” for a potential IBB mayorship. This has prompted internal debate within the CHP regarding Imamoglu’s successor.

Hurriyet columnist Abdulkadir Selvi reports that Imamoglu plans to launch his presidential campaign one to one-and-a-half years ahead of the elections.

His strategy involves extensive travel across Anatolia to rally support and build pressure on CHP headquarters, according to Selvi.

Imamoglu is also expected to resign as Istanbul mayor within one to one-and-a-half years before the presidential race to concentrate on his campaign.

Dedetas is a notable candidate for his successor, alongside Besiktas Mayor Riza Akpolat, who is also considered a potential replacement.

Reports suggest that other mayors, including those from Istanbul’s Kartal, Gaziosmanpasa, Beyoglu, and Kadikoy, prefer Akpolat if Imamoglu runs for president. Meanwhile, influential CHP figure Erdogan Toprak is also said to support Akpolat.

On the other hand, Imamoglu is said to be considering and supporting Dedetas instead.

Rivalries within CHP

Selvi notes growing tensions within the CHP between Imamoglu and Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavas, indicating increased rivalry between the two.