Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday said some “organised crime” had been carried out during last week’s election for Istanbul mayor when results showed his ruling AKP candidate narrowly lost the race. The AKP demanded a recount in Ankara and Istanbul citing irregularities after tallies showed the party was defeated in both cities in what would be a major setback in a decade and a half in power. Erdogan’s remarks appeared to signal more AKP challenges over Istanbul, the country’s economic hub and largest city, echoing commentary in pro-government media last week denouncing a “ballot box putsch” during the March 31 election.
