LOCAL ELECTIONS’ OUTCOME IN TURKEY

This outcome also shows that 17 months of AKP rule haven’t worn down the government. People still have their expectations. Another meaning of these results is that reactions to the 2001 economic crisis, which played a key role in the fall 2002 elections, continue to this day. The elections also disproved predictions that only one party would be elected with about 70 percent of the vote, as seen in increases in the votes of some opposition parties.

Here’s a breakdown of the results by party: While the AKP attracted more votes and boosted its support, the main opposition Republican Peoples’ Party (CHP) couldn’t hold onto the votes it won back in the general elections. This shows that the opposition didn’t gravitate towards the CHP. Contrary to the polls, the True Path Party (DYP) and Nationalist Action Party (MHP) actually won more votes. The impression that the DYP captured votes on the center right is important for the future of the Motherland Party (ANAP). Peoples’ uneasiness concerning developments on Cyprus led to a rise in MHP support. The increase in votes for the DYP and MHP can be interpreted as reflecting rising worries over national issues. We can say that nationalist views are being supported in the policies in Iraq and Cyprus.

Another meaningful outcome for the AKP is that the Felicity Party (SP) is still alive and kicking. We see that some votes went to the SP after AKP leader and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan became estranged from the nationalist view. The Democratic Peoples’ Party (DEHAP) had a more significant influence in its cooperation with the Social Democratic Peoples’ Party (SHP). This means that choices in the southeast are still influenced by ethnic differences rather then economic ones. I don’t think the SHP isn’t a suitable vehicle for such cooperation. The clearest outcome of the elections is that people insist on testing the AKP.”