WASHINGTON — Former U.S. Ambassador to Ankara James Jeffrey commented on Sunday's local election results by stating that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan won a "stunning victory" by increasing his votes in local elections.

Speaking at a panel dedicated to 'Elections in Turkey' at the US think-tank Washington Institute, Jeffrey emphasized that the election result could be an important indicator for Erdoğan's presidential candidancy. "Prime Minister Erdogan's next step is most likely to win the presidential election this summer, " he added.

In response to a question regarding the main opposition party CHP, Jeffrey stated that it is trying for Turkey that the main opposition party is not one that addresses the majority of the nation, "CHP lacks the dynamic leadership to respond to the Turkish public's significant issues."