Erdogan Announces Final Election, Ending Over Two Decades in Power

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declares the March 31 local elections will be his last, amidst skepticism and a crucial Istanbul mayoral race.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the upcoming March 31 local elections will be his last, signaling an end to his more than two decades in power.
Erdogan expressed confidence that his Justice and Development (AKP) party would remain in power even after his departure, aiming to regain the mayorship of Istanbul.
Critics and human rights activists remain skeptical of Erdogan's announcement, citing past attempts to modify the constitution to extend his tenure.
Erdogan's tenure has been marked by a crackdown on free speech and democratic norms, with journalists and dissidents facing harassment and arrests.
The outcome of the Istanbul mayoral race is seen as crucial, with recent polls indicating a close contest between AKP candidate Murat Kurum and opposition candidate Ekrem Imamoglu.