​Take 2: Imamoglu (CHP) sweeps Yildirim (AKP),opening a can of worms for everyone

TURKEY - In Brief 24 Jun 2019 by Atilla Yesilada

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09:30 Istanbul time With some answers to the questions in my head pursuant to the astounding victory of Ekrem Imamoglu over Binali Yildirim, I decided to publish an update in the morning to serve our audience in Asia, Turkey and Europe, which is preliminary and will be updated—I assume—within 24 hours. Let me do so by mixing excerpts from my short posting to GlobalSource Partners website last night with fresh insights, to sort out the basics quickly. It was over quickly by a landslide The election was over by 7:30 pm Istanbul time. Ekrem Imamoglu beat Binali Yildirim by a 54-45% margin, or a difference of 780K votes, delivering his party its first significant victory in a decade or so. In his acceptance speech Imamoglu sounded humble and conciliatory, promising to work for all citizens of Istanbul regardless of political color, ending waste and corruption, as well as promising cooperation with President Erdogan. Yildirim conceded defeat as soon as unofficial poll results came on screens, who was followed by an Erdogan tweet congratulating Imamoglu and a phone call from Speaker of the Grand Assembly Mr. Sentop. MHP leader Mr. Bahceli stated that the voice of the ballot box must be respected. Thus, I expect no challenges or last-minute maneuvers from AKP-MHP tooverturn this election. How will Erdogan and Imamoglu get along? While I have little evidence, neither do I lend much credence to the prevailing view among Turkish opposition and even some foreign observers that Erdogan will get even by “arranging” a prosecution for Imamoglu because of unconfirmed reports that he had insulted the Governor of Ordu Province. Of course, I’ll be relieved ifErdogan honors Imamoglu’s req...