Nearly a year after being imprisoned, Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, stated in an interview with Reuters that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan must call for elections 'now,' predicting that Erdogan would lose if he runs for re-election. Imamoglu has emerged as Erdogan's primary political rival in recent years, with polls suggesting he has a strong chance of defeating the president, who has been in power for over two decades.

Imamoglu's statements come amid a broader crackdown on the main opposition party, which human rights organizations and foreign observers claim undermines Turkey's democratic credentials. With Turkey being a NATO member and a candidate for European Union membership, the political climate and violations of democratic processes remain a topic of significant concern for both domestic and international observers.

Having won three electoral contests against Erdogan's ruling AKP party in Istanbul, the 55-year-old Imamoglu continues to be a powerful opposition figure despite his imprisonment since March. His call for elections not only challenges Erdogan's authority but also highlights the contentious political landscape in Turkey, marked by increasing tensions between the government and opposition parties.