Jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has called on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to hold early elections—“now.” In written answers sent from Silivri Prison, he told Reuters that Erdogan fears losing. Accordingly, he insists the time for a vote is immediate.
Polls consistently show Ekrem Imamoglu as Erdogan’s strongest rival. Since his imprisonment in March 2025 on corruption charges he denies, he has remained the CHP’s official presidential candidate. Moreover, his legal battle has not diminished his political influence.
In fact, he defeated Erdogan’s AK Party in three straight Istanbul elections. As a result, he has become the unifying figure for Turkey’s fragmented opposition. Therefore, his call for elections carries significant weight.
“We want early elections now,” Ekrem Imamoglu said. “The president sees defeat coming and avoids a vote. He will run—and he will lose. Turkey will be the winner.” Clearly, he views the delay as a sign of weakness.
The CHP has pushed for months for a snap election. If elected, it promises to restore rule-of-law governance. Additionally, it plans to restart EU accession talks and adopt a social-democratic economic model. These steps, it argues, would reverse democratic backsliding.
The next presidential vote is not due until 2028. However, if Erdogan seeks a third term, he must call an early election under current constitutional rules. To do so, he needs three-fifths of parliament. Consequently, he would require support beyond his ruling alliance.
Most analysts expect elections in 2026. Meanwhile, the CHP holds weekly rallies in Istanbul to keep Ekrem Imamoglu visible. Recent polls confirm a tight race between the CHP and AKP. Thus, the political stakes are high.
Behind bars, Ekrem Imamoglu maintains a demanding routine. Every day, he works about 18 hours. He not only reviews legal cases with his lawyers but also reads letters from supporters and handles municipal duties remotely. Furthermore, he exercises daily in a small, walled courtyard.
His path to candidacy, however, faces serious legal barriers. Specifically, his trial begins in March 2026. Prosecutors accuse him of running a criminal organization at Istanbul’s municipality. They are seeking a sentence of over 2,000 years.
Notably, the lead prosecutor, Akin Gurlek, became justice minister on February 12, 2026. This move triggered outrage from the CHP and led to a brawl in parliament. Critics argue it blurs the line between justice and politics.
Political analyst Murat Yetkin said Gurlek’s appointment goes beyond targeting Ekrem Imamoglu. Rather, it reflects a broader effort to reshape judicial institutions under executive control. Hence, the independence of the courts is increasingly in question.
Ekrem Imamoglu calls the legal actions against him politically motivated. “Those in power know they will lose,” he said. “So they try to keep me in prison on false charges.” In his view, the judiciary is being weaponized.
The government denies influencing the judiciary. For his part, Erdogan claims the investigations “have nothing to do with me.” Nonetheless, skepticism remains widespread.
Another major setback came last month. A court rejected Ekrem Imamoglu’s lawsuit challenging the cancellation of his university degree. Since presidential candidates must hold a degree, this decision blocks his eligibility. Unsurprisingly, the European Parliament’s Turkey rapporteur, Nacho Sánchez Amor, called the ruling “ridiculously biased.”
Despite these challenges, Ekrem Imamoglu remains resolute. “No pressure or obstacle will stop me,” he said. “I will keep working for a more just, freer, and more prosperous Turkey.” Indeed, he vows to use every legal right available.
Ultimately, as Turkey’s democratic health draws growing concern from rights groups and allies, Ekrem Imamoglu’s imprisonment has become a defining issue in the nation’s political future. Whether he can run—or even remain free—may determine the course of the next election.
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