Five political parties announced plans to hold their İstanbul rallies on March 22, the last Sunday before the local elections, but officials fear that this could lead to security problems.
The Grand Unity Party (BBP) and the Felicity Party (SP) announced that they will hold their İstanbul rallies in Çağlayan Square on March 22, which earlier that morning will host the supporters of the Republican People’s Party (CHP). Previously the CHP wanted to hold their İstanbul rally in Kazlıçeşme Square but were denied their request because the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) decided upon the same time and location for its event.
The SP’s İstanbul provincial chairman expressed his opposition to the CHP rally in Çağlayan, saying that the venue had been allocated for his party’s rally earlier. He said that while officials were opposed to allowing two election rallies in Kazlıçeşme out of security concerns, they should consider how allowing three election rallies -- of the SP, BBP and CHP -- in Çağlayan on the same day could lead to problems.
In the meantime the Democrat Party’s (DP) İstanbul rally will take place at Gaziosmanpaşa Square on the same day.
