In a surprising announcement, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared that the upcoming round of local ballots will be his "final" election. Citizens across every Turkish city, province, and municipality are preparing to vote on March 31 to elect mayors and councillors.

Speaking at a meeting of the TÜGVA youth group in Istanbul, Erdogan emphasized that according to the law, this election would mark his last involvement in the voting process. As the founder and leader of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Erdogan has held the position of Turkey's president since 2014, following his previous decade as the country's prime minister.

Erdogan stated that the outcome of the local election would hold significant implications for his plans of political succession. He emphasized that the results of this election would be pivotal in transferring a legacy to the future leaders of Turkey. He further emphasized that necessary preparations have been made to ensure a smooth transition.

The announcement comes after Erdogan's re-election for a second five-year term in a divisive election held in May 2023. With this forthcoming local election being touted as his final participation, speculation is rising about the future political landscape of Turkey and who might assume leadership after Erdogan.

As March 31 approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome of the local election, as it is expected to shape the course of Turkish politics moving forward. With Erdogan's declaration creating anticipation and curiosity among citizens, the forthcoming ballots are anticipated to have far-reaching consequences for the political landscape of Turkey.