Around 61 million people in 81 provinces are called to elect mayors, municipal councilors and other local politicians today. In Istanbul, the country's economic and cultural center, there could be a neck-and-neck race between AKP candidate Murat Kurum and incumbent mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
The election is taking place under difficult circumstances: the poor economic situation in the country and high inflation could cost Erdogan's party votes. Many complain about rising food prices and skyrocketing rents; According to a survey, many young people would like to leave the country.