On Tuesday, Istanbul University announced the invalidation of the diploma belonging to Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. This controversial decision is widely viewed as a politically motivated action aimed at blocking the influential opposition figure and prominent rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from participating in the upcoming presidential elections.
The university's decision was based on alleged irregularities discovered during Imamoglu's transfer from a private university in northern Cyprus to its Faculty of Business Administration in 1990. As a result, this ruling disqualifies Imamoglu from running for the presidency, which mandates that candidates possess a university degree. Imamoglu, however, has indicated his intention to appeal against this ruling.
This development comes just before the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) is scheduled to hold a primary election, where Imamoglu was anticipated to be nominated as the party's presidential candidate. While the next presidential elections are set for 2028, early elections are considered highly probable.
Imamoglu, aged 53, has publicly criticized the university's decision, labeling it “illegal.” He expressed his sentiments on social media, stating, “The days when those who made this decision will be held accountable before history and justice are near. The march of our people, who are thirsty for justice, law, and democracy, cannot be stopped.”
The mayor has already encountered a series of legal challenges in the recent past. In 2022, he was convicted of insulting members of Turkey's Supreme Electoral Council, a ruling that could potentially lead to a political ban. Imamoglu is currently appealing this conviction.
Moreover, he is facing several additional lawsuits, including allegations concerning attempts to influence a judicial expert who was investigating opposition-led municipalities. Depending on the outcome, this case might lead to a prison sentence and further political restrictions.
Imamoglu initially rose to prominence when he was elected as the mayor of Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, in March 2019. His victory was significant as it represented a notable defeat for President Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP), which had maintained control over Istanbul for twenty-five years. Following Imamoglu’s win, the AKP sought to nullify the municipal election results, alleging electoral irregularities. This challenge led to a repeat of the election a few months later, which Imamoglu again won decisively.
He successfully retained his position during the most recent local elections held last year, wherein the CHP achieved considerable gains against Erdogan's governing party, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Istanbul.
As the political climate continues to evolve, the implications of these legal challenges and the decision surrounding Imamoglu's diploma could substantially impact the dynamics of the upcoming elections in Turkey.
