Parties engage in intensive talks as local elections loom

Alliance-building is in full swing among Türkiye's political parties as the local elections scheduled for next March inch closer, with key players intensifying talks and negotiations to solidify cooperation efforts.

President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan initiated discussions on Dec. 12 by meeting with New Welfare Party (YRP) leader Fatih Erbakan. The closed-door meeting focused on various issues, including upcoming elections and the situations in Gaza. Subsequently, Erdoğan met with Free Cause Party (HÜDA PAR) leader Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu at the AKP headquarters the following day to further discuss electoral strategies.

In twin parliamentary and presidential elections in May, the ruling AKP joined forces with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the Great Union Party (BBP) and the YRP. Candidates from HÜDA PAR and Democratic Left Party (DSP) were also included on the AKP's electoral list.

The YRP, with five deputies, and the HÜDA PAR, with four deputies, hold representation in parliament, while the BBP failed to secure an elected candidate.

The AKP and MHP, the major partners in the ruling People's Alliance, have held 10 meetings to coordinate their electoral districts so far. A joint delegation is expected to finalize the process and present the collaboration details to the public later this week.

Erdoğan and MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli last met in the capital Ankara on Nov. 29, where they discussed preparations for the alliance in the forthcoming polls.

Meanwhile in the opposition camp, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel visited Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) co-chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan on Dec. 13, with local elections at...