Imamoglu warns greater triumph in revote for Istanbul

Imamoglu took office about a month ago and immediately discovered the excessive expenses of city officials.

Suddenly, the electoral commission ordered a recount of the vote, and Mr. Imamoglu no longer exercises the mayor's office.

After his historic victory, Ekrem Imamoglu pledged reconciliation throughout Istanbul and pledged to end Turkey's deep political divisions.

It is this message that gave him victory. But the new mayor held the post for only 19 days. The election commission cancelled his victory and ordered a recount of votes.

The election commission backed President Erdogan's claims that Ekrem Imamoglu's close victory was accompanied by manipulations and irregularities.

This is a blow that will be marked in history as a dark stain. That's very clear. That's why I'm so angry. Not for myself, but for our whole society. It is my grief to see such a blow to Turkey's democracy. But we'll put it right. This is our fight”,Says Mr. Imamoglu.

The outcome has provoked outrage on the streets of Istanbul.

Daily protests continue throughout the city, as revote in Istanbul approaches next month.

It is clear that this vote is not just for Istanbul. These are local elections, but also a fight for democracy. So our campaign will increase and hundreds of thousands of people will participate”, Says Mr. Imamoglu.

Mr. Imamoglu's victory in Istanbul and the message of involvement are reviving his CHP party, in particular among the city's youth.

Eating after the fasting of the holy month of Ramadan in an Istanbul family, Mr. Imamoglu, who has a conservative background, easily completes the gap between secular and religious.

It's clear that what we're going through is over party politics. So social reconciliation, unity, can turn into an option, a higher spirit. What will follow can be reflected in the economy, education, social peace and freedom. If you look at the complete view, everything will be more beautiful”, Mr. Imamoglu said.

Former head of a municipality until several months ago, very few people had heard about Mr. Imamoglu.

But it could present the biggest direct risk to Mr. Erdogan as the country prepares for revote in Istanbul, thought to be the most important process for the country. / VoA