Turkish Municipality Elections (1984-1994)

Abstract

This study deals with the Turkish municipality elections (1984-1994). Democracy could not obtain its final form unless it has been applied in an actual and noticeable way, because the important and complementary side of democracy is the municipality elections. Through those elections, it is possible to manage the municipality own affairs without consulting the central government. The competition and care of participating parties were huge, especially in the elections of 1984, when the airplanes carried the election posters and the public gatherings everywhere spreading in streets. The elections of 1989 were of much importance because they allowed many parties to participate in the elections. The big surprise was when the Islamic parties won and leaded the elections of 1994. However, the experience of the municipality elections is a complementary step towards democracy in Turkey.