For Some Autocrats, Even Rigged Elections Can Be Too Much of a Threat
Briefly

In recent years, nations including Turkey and Hungary have demonstrated how democracy can degrade into competitive authoritarianism. Turkey's landscape has shifted dramatically with the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the popular mayor of Istanbul and a key opposition figure to President Erdogan. The accusations against Imamoglu coincide with growing fears within the ruling regime about an electoral challenge. Political analysts suggest Erdogan's actions represent a decisive turn towards full authoritarianism as he seeks to eliminate any real opposition ahead of upcoming elections.
The recent arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, Turkey's opposition mayor, reveals President Erdogan's shift from competitive authoritarianism to full authoritarianism, stifling potential dissent.
Experts note that Erdogan's action against Imamoglu is a preemptive strike, indicating his fear of losing power in the face of a legitimate electoral challenge.
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