While imprisoned, Ekrem Imamoglu presented a vision for a democratic and productive Turkey, addressing issues from the economy to democracy. This serves as a de facto election platform, particularly relevant given the opposition's push for early elections which Imamoglu might miss.
The Republican People's Party (CHP), Imamoglu's party, is preparing a contingency plan involving Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş as a potential presidential candidate if Imamoglu remains imprisoned. The plan includes a post-election goal of shifting Turkey back to a parliamentary system, with Imamoglu potentially serving as Prime Minister.
CHP leader Özgür Özel indicated the election would become a referendum on Imamoglu's imprisonment. There's concern in pro-government circles, with Devlet Bahçeli, a coalition partner of Erdoğan, calling for a swift resolution of Imamoglu's case.
The "Imamoglu-Yavaş model" involves constitutional changes potentially taking only 15 days after a CHP victory, facilitating Imamoglu's transition to Prime Minister. However, questions exist regarding the CHP's ability to secure the necessary parliamentary majority for such changes. Comparisons are being drawn between Erdoğan's past imprisonment and that of Abdullah Gül, who initially assumed power after the AKP's victory before Erdoğan's release.