In Istanbul polls, the victor is democracy, CHP leader says

ANKARA

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has said the victory of his party’s candidate is democracy.

“Everyone who believes in democracy is proud of Turkey today. The whole world, who believe in democracy, is proud of Turkey. People who believe in democracy, those who advocate democracy to the end, everyone, but everyone, is proud of you,” he said in a speech from the balcony of his CHP’s headquarters in Ankara after his candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu grabbed victory.

“I don’t want anyone to feel sad. Do not forget, today the victor is democracy,” he stated. “The victor is the Republic of Turkey. The victors are [modern Turkey’s founder] Mustafa Kemal [Atatürk] and his friends,” he added.

Kılıçdaroğlu noted the CHP had confidence in the people’s will, trusted the people and that that had overcome all the obstacles.

“Everything started with our ‘justice march.’ The whole world heard us. They wanted to prevent this. We overcame all obstacles, all together and finally in the Istanbul elections. We have written a saga of democracy,” Kılıçdaroğlu said, adding that the nation sided with democracy, “standing up to repression.”

İmamoğlu will make Istanbul a significant city for the whole world, he said, adding that there are no more obstacles in front of them. “We will embrace all citizens, respect everyone and every opinion,” he said. “The CHP is now the party of 82 million. It will work to solve the problems of 82 million. The CHP will not marginalize anyone, will respect their religion, ethnicity or social identity.”