Two killed during clashes amid elections in southeast Turkey
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The incident, which occurred in the town of Agaclidere, situated 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the city of Diyarbakir, reportedly escalated into violence and involved firearms, stones, and wooden rods.
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A woman casts her vote during the Turkish municipal elections in Istanbul. (AFP)
Clashes between two groups resulted in one fatality and at least 10 injuries during Sunday's local elections in Turkey's southeast, Sputnik reported.
The incident, which occurred in Agaclidere village, situated 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the city of Diyarbakir, reportedly escalated into violence and involved firearms, stones, and wooden rods. A bullet struck a local journalist's vehicle.
In further detail, medical teams and gendarmerie forces were dispatched to the area where the injured were taken to hospitals for treatment. Additionally, two ambulances sustained damage from thrown stones.
It is worth noting that Turkish citizens are voting in municipal elections, with eyes on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who aims to regain control of Istanbul from rival and mayor Ekrem Imamoglu of the opposition party, who took control back in 2019.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. in eastern Turkey, with polls elsewhere beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m., while initial results are expected by 10 p.m. later that night.
A tense race is expected as Imamoglu is up against Erdogan's party the AKP's candidate Murat Kurum.
Factors that will weigh in on the results include the current economic situation, with inflation near 70%, and Kurdish voters aiming for political change.
Quick overview
With more than 61 million voters expected to participate across the country, polling stations, totaling over 200,000, will see candidates from 34 political parties vying for positions.
Major contenders include the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the Good (IYI) Party, and the Peoples' Democratic Party (DEM Party).
Voters will cast their ballots exclusively for candidates in their respective districts, with approximately 1.32 million young voters participating for the first time.
The #Turkish people are preparing for #Turkey's local elections scheduled for March 31.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) March 29, 2024
The outcomes of the local elections in Istanbul are significant, as they could determine the trajectory of the entire country.
In the previous local elections of 2019, the Turkish… pic.twitter.com/zGtFDu2F02
Mobile ballot boxes, numbering over 1,000, will cater to voters unable to reach polling stations due to health or disability reasons.
On Election Day, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited from 6 am to 12 midnight in all alcohol-serving and public venues. Entertainment venues like coffeehouses, teahouses, and internet cafes will be closed, though restaurants will remain open.
The Turkish Penal Code prohibits the carrying of weapons, except for authorized security personnel, in villages, towns, and cities.
Radio stations and broadcast media are barred from reporting on the elections or making predictions until 6 pm (local time). From 6 to 9 pm (local time), election-related broadcasts can only include news and announcements from the Supreme Election Council (YSK). All restrictions will be lifted after 9 pm (local time).
