Ankara, 01 Apr (HS): President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been in power in Turkey for over two decades suffered a setback as the opposition secured a sweeping victory in local elections. The results have signalled a change in the political equation in Turkey. Erdogan is enjoying his third term as the President.

Ekrem Imamogolu of the opposition CHP (Republican People’s Party) clinched the Istanbul seat. He clinched the second term as Mayor of Istanbul, where Erdogan had campaigned for his party candidate. The city of 1.60 crores (16 million) reposed faith in Ekrem. Ekrem is considered to be the main challenger to Erdogan for the President’s post.

In Inkrana, CHP’s Mayor Manur Yavas was way ahead of his rival by securing about 59 percent of votes. He declared his victory in his address in front of his supporters. CHP supporters blocked the roads in several cities cheering for the party’s victory.

Erdogan accepted the defeat and said he would respect the people’s mandate and would examine his mistakes.

Erdogan was elected Mayor of Istanbul in 1994 and then became the Prime Minister in 2003 and President in 2014. Local people believe that victory in Istanbul is indicative of victory in Turkey.

Hindusthan Samachar/ Ajay Mardikar/ Sanjiv/Manoj