Turkey political disputes erupt over municipal elections and party affiliations

Political tensions are rising in Turkey following a contentious deputy mayor election at Menderes Municipality, where AK Party candidate Asuman Şen secured victory. The election has triggered disputes between the CHP, YENİ Parti, and AK Party regarding voting allegiances and party memberships.

Council member Şirzat Peker, who previously served as a CHP member, clarified that he voted for the AK Party candidate to serve the interests of Menderes. Following the vote, Peker announced his resignation from the CHP to continue his work as an independent. YENİ Parti officials also reported resignations from council members Füsun Demir and Şirzat Peker, citing disagreements with the party's management of the election process.

In Nazilli, controversy persists regarding the political affiliation of Mayor Ertuğrul Tetik. While YENİ Parti claims Tetik has joined their ranks, Tetik has explicitly denied resigning from the CHP. Meanwhile, YENİ Parti has announced its official congress schedule, with district elections set for September 12 and provincial elections for October 18.

In Aydın, leadership figures Gökhan Maraş and Hakkı Gözlüklü used social media to deny rumors of a rift ahead of the upcoming Aydın Chamber of Industry elections, emphasizing their continued cooperation.