Erdogan announces candidates for Istanbul, Kocaeli in local elections

In local elections set for next March, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has decided to stay the course with the current mayors of the Istanbul and Kocaeli greater municipalities. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday announced the re-nomination of the AKP mayors: Kadir Topbaş in Istanbul, and Ibrahim Karaosmanoglu in Kocaeli. Speaking at a press conference at the AKP's Istanbul branch, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that some believe anything is justified to win elections, but the AKP sees things differently. Pledging that the party will continue its commitment to abide by democratic principles, Erdogan added that candidates who are open to change and improvement, and have a vision, will stand as candidates again for the AKP. Also attending the ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Hayati Yazici, Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay, Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim, and other top party members.