YENİ Party's Özgür Çelik reveals scandal in Üsküdar Municipality election: 'People were threatened...'

Üsküdar Municipality has elected a new deputy mayor following the arrest of its previous officeholder, Sinem Dedetaş. The election, held within the municipal council, saw a contest between candidates from the ruling AKP and the main opposition CHP. Ultimately, CHP's candidate, Sibel Tan Çetinkaya, secured the position.

However, the election process was marred by allegations of serious misconduct. Özgür Çelik, the Istanbul Provincial Head of the YENİ Party, described the events as a "sinister plan." He detailed that during the third round of voting, individuals were allegedly threatened with harm to their families and children, and colleagues working at the municipality faced similar intimidation tactics.

Çelik further claimed that offers and financial incentives were made to sway votes. He stated that in the crucial third round, his party's candidate, Sibel Tan Çetinkaya, received 26 votes, while the rival political party's candidate garnered 18 votes. Five invalid votes were also cast, which Çelik implied played a role in the outcome due to the alleged manipulation.