BTSO Committee Elections Conclude; Runoff Set for Oct. 8

Voting for the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry's 70 professional committees and 159 assembly seats took place at the Bursa Fair Center on Wednesday from 09:00 to 17:00. The first round determines the committee structure that will elect the chamber president in a second round on October 8.

Incumbent President Ibrahim Burkay ran on the blue ballot while challenger Ozer Matli used the green ballot; a third candidate, Tayyar Turkes, appeared on the orange ballot. Members do not vote directly for president in this phase.

“This city will finally find the truth. This city will learn to work with an accountable administration.”

Burkay claimed victory in 40 of the 70 committees Wednesday evening, stating the business community had entrusted his leadership. He described the process as a demonstration of democratic maturity and unity.

Matli voted amid enthusiastic supporters and criticised the election atmosphere, alleging difficulties in distributing election documents to members. He also objected to the similarity between the chamber building's colours and his rival's ballot colour.

The chamber represents approximately 60,000 members. Matli's campaign pledged lower membership fees, easier financing access, and moving services closer to workplaces under a "Bursa Economy Transformation Plan Vision 2040."

The second round on October 8 will finalise the management board and presidency. The largest single committee, the 23rd covering residential construction, elects nine committee and four assembly members.