Spatial analysis of Iğdır election results

This research, prepared using a descriptive approach, utilized data from TUİK and YSK and analyzed it using frequency, percentage analysis, and LISA analysis methods. Evaluating the election results between 1995 and 2023, it is evident that geographical location significantly influences the distribution of votes. Notable differences have been identified in the vote percentages of different political parties across settlements and districts. Specifically, the spatial analysis for the 2023 elections revealed that geographical factors significantly impacted the election results of the AK Party. Moreover, it was found that the management of election processes and an increase in the number of ballot boxes could positively influence election participation. In the spatial analysis of elections, the distribution of votes of parties at the neighborhood and village level and their spatial correlations were examined. Especially, the distribution of votes of the MHP in Iğdır showed differences between urban and rural areas. ANAP and CHP have low vote potential in Iğdır in general and in the districts. The same applies to parties like İP, the National Party, YDH, YDP, and the New Party, which have generally low vote rates. A similar situation has been observed for parties such as DTP, BBP, and DP. It was detected that the party with the highest vote in 1995 experienced a significant loss of votes in subsequent years, and this decrease occurred at a similar rate in both urban and rural areas. In particular, it was observed that the number of votes the DSP received in Iğdır in the 2015 elections had significantly decreased. However, this situation has witnessed increases parallel to the general trend in districts like Aralık, Karakoyunlu, and Tuzluca. At the same time, an increase in MHP's votes was observed, while FP's votes decreased. From 2002 to 2007, there were significant increases in the vote rates of DEHAP and the AK Party. However, a decrease was detected in the number of votes for CHP. During this period, MHP ranked second with 25,700 votes, while the AK Party came third with 10,293 votes. Also, it was observed that HADEP had a significant vote potential in every district and received the highest votes in the central district. The number of voters in Iğdır increased from 65,568 in 1995 to 133,968 in 2023, a 104% increase. This increase is associated with population growth, migration, and the younger population reaching voting age. The number of voters in the central district increased by 148% from 38,257 to 95,186. These changes may be related to changes in political tendencies and demographic structure and contain important information for future election processes. In the 2023 elections in Iğdır, Turkey, no relationship was found between the vote percentages garnered by political parties and the average elevation of the localities. However, a significant negative correlation was identified between the number of votes obtained by political parties and the average elevation of these localities. Additionally, a strong negative correlation was observed between the average elevation of a locality and the number of voters therein. As the average elevation of localities increased, the number of voters in these areas decreased. This phenomenon results in political parties receiving fewer votes in localities with higher average elevations.