Captain Mustafa Can calls on seafarers to support his İTO candidacy in the elections on October 27, emphasizing collaboration and representation.
Captain Mustafa Can, a candidate for the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO), has called on the maritime community to support him ahead of the professional committee and council membership elections scheduled for October 27. Emphasizing the collaboration between İTO and the Chamber of Shipping, Can stated, 'Let’s bring a mariner to the head of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.'
In a video message directed at maritime professionals, Captain Mustafa Can urged participation in the elections. He expressed the desire to strengthen the representation of the maritime sector within İTO and to create an efficient working environment between the two chambers.
Can noted that following the elections at the Chamber of Shipping, all eyes are now on the İTO elections, mentioning that 99% of the members of the Chamber of Shipping are also members of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. He highlighted the importance of maritime professionals with memberships in both chambers participating in the İTO elections and invited sector members to the polls on Tuesday, October 27.
Stating that they have been working intensively during the candidacy process, Can indicated that they are preparing for the elections with six other mariners. In his video message, he called for support for maritime candidates by referencing the 54, 24, and 69 numbered professional committees.
Calling for people to 'fill the ballot boxes,' Can explained the connection of the blue color used in his campaign to maritime by saying, 'Why is our color blue? The seas are blue, so our color became blue.'
Emphasizing that he would continue his efforts for the maritime sector if elected as president of İTO, Can remarked, 'Let’s bring a mariner to the head of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. I will continue to serve the mariners.'
Can also stated that he aims for collaboration between the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Shipping in the maritime field. He expressed the desire to showcase the efficiency that can be achieved through the joint efforts of the two institutions to the world.
According to the official election announcement from İTO, the professional committee and council membership elections will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in halls 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the Istanbul Fair Center, between 08:00 and 17:00. The election for the board of directors will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in the İTO Assembly Hall.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
