Jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu Challenges Erdogan to Call Early Elections

Ekrem Imamoglu, the jailed mayor of Istanbul and a prominent figure in Turkey's opposition, has publicly challenged President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to call for early elections. Imamoglu, who has been imprisoned since March 2025 on corruption charges he denies, asserts that Erdogan is avoiding elections due to fears of losing. He stated, “We want early elections now. But the current president sees the coming defeat and shies away from elections,” indicating his belief that Erdogan would lose if he ran again.

The Straits TimesEkrem Imamoglu challenges Erdogan to call early elections: "He will lose"

Imamoglu, a member of the Republican People's Party (CHP), has been a significant rival to Erdogan, having previously defeated the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in three Istanbul elections. Despite his incarceration, Imamoglu continues to work on his legal cases and maintain communication with supporters, claiming to uphold his mayoral responsibilities from prison. His trial is set to begin in March 2026, with prosecutors seeking an extensive prison sentence exceeding 2,000 years on charges of running a criminal organization.

Ekrem Imamoglu challenges Erdogan to call early elections: "He will lose"The Straits Times

The political landscape surrounding Imamoglu is fraught with challenges. His recent legal setbacks include the cancellation of his university degree, a requirement for presidential candidates, which has drawn criticism from international observers, including European Parliament rapporteur Nacho Sanchez Amor, who described the judiciary as “ridiculously biased.” Imamoglu has characterized the barrage of legal actions against him as a politically motivated campaign to obstruct his presidential ambitions, stating, “Those in power... see their remedy in keeping me in prison on false allegations.”

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Erdogan, who has been in power since 2003, faces a constitutional requirement to call early elections if he wishes to seek a third term. However, analysts suggest he may delay until 2027, as he would need a three-fifths majority in Parliament to initiate early elections. The recent appointment of Akin Gürlek, the prosecutor in Imamoglu's case, as Minister of Justice has raised concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the potential for further political maneuvering to sideline opposition figures.

Ekrem Imamoglu challenges Erdogan to call early elections: "He will lose"

Imamoglu's legal team has emphasized his commitment to justice and democracy, with Imamoglu himself stating, “No pressure and no obstacle will keep me from working to make this country more just, freer, and more prosperous.” Meanwhile, Erdogan has largely refrained from commenting on Imamoglu's case, maintaining that the investigations are independent of his influence.

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Critics of Erdogan's government, including members of the CHP and international observers, argue that the judicial actions against Imamoglu reflect a broader trend of political repression in Turkey. They contend that the government's tactics undermine democratic processes and threaten the rule of law.

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As Imamoglu's trial approaches in March 2026, the political landscape in Turkey remains tense. The CHP continues to advocate for early elections, while Erdogan's administration faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of opposition figures and the judiciary. The outcome of Imamoglu's trial and the potential for early elections will significantly impact Turkey's political future.

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