Turkey's AKP loses against independent Fakibaba
Güncelleme Tarihi:
ANKARA - An independent candidate, who was not renominated by the ruling AKP, won the elections in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa.
"Even if we nominate our jacket, we will win the city," Justice and Development Party, or AKP, deputies said during the election campaign in Sanliurfa, which is known for its conservative makeup.
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Esref Ahmet Fakibaba was previously elected as mayor from the AKP ranks. However, he fell out with AKP deputies and was not nominated as mayoral candidate in the latest elections. Fakibaba resigned from the party to run as an independent candidate, while AKP nominated Mehmet Oymak in his place. Felicity Party, SP, offered its support Fakibaba in the elections, choosing not to put forward a candidate.
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Fakibaba won Sunday's elections with 44 percent, while support for Oymak gained 39.3 percent. This shows that Erdogan’s jacket may not make it this time. Â
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Fakibaba announced on election night he would join SP on Monday, broadcasters reported.Â