Leader of Türkiye’s opposition IYI Party Aksener declares she won't seek office again

By Ahmet Bugra Olac

ANKARA (AA) – The leader of Türkiye's opposition IYI Party announced on Monday that she will not run for the party's leadership position at its extraordinary congress on April 27.

Meral Aksener said in a statement that she will evaluate her party's performance in local government elections and chart a course for the future through 2028.

Türkiye held local elections on March 31, with the main opposition the Republican People's Party (CHP) securing a close lead over the governing Justice and Development (AK) Party, according to unofficial results.

Among the results released, the IYI Party won one mayoral seat nationwide, as well as a few other victories in provincial municipalities and districts.

She said her 30-year political career has been focused on Türkiye's needs, accepting her accountability for decisions and actions, as well as her willingness to bear the consequences without regret.

"Our aim in making this decision was to steer our party away from the entrenched political poles in Türkiye, and to offer our people a new option that would liberate them from the uncompetitive politics where they are squeezed between two choices," she said.