Turkey's Future Party has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Turkish municipal elections in Sanliurfa and Mardin provinces, endorsing the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) candidates in the respective cities. 

The President of the Future Party's branch in Urfa, Hidayet Baysal, announced his party's endorsement of the AKP candidate and current Mayor of Urfa, Zeynel Abidin Beyazgul, in the local elections that are set to take place on March 31.

Baysal posted the decision on X, saying that they decided to withdraw following inner-party discussions. 

On March 31, 2024, Turks will head to the polls for the second time to elect municipalities' mayors and councilors, marking the thirteenth session of the Turkish local elections since its inception in 1963.#TurkeyElections pic.twitter.com/MUQdS2a229

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) March 24, 2024

On his part, the Future Party candidate for Greater Urfa, Ferit Cevik, also announced his withdrawal from the electoral race and endorsed the corresponding AKP candidate. 

Baysal also said that the party will endorse AKP's Abdullah Erin in Mardin, adding that if Erin did not provide the promised services to citizens, then the Future Party would hold him accountable. 

It is worth noting that the Future Party is led by the former Prime Minister and a former leader of the AKP party, Ahmet Davutoglu.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Turkey said that the municipal elections are witnessing fierce competition between Turkish parties, underlining the importance of elections in Ankara and Istanbul cities, as the result determines future presidential candidates as per the norm. 

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