Turkey’s opposition in electoral battle to keep hold of major cities

Supporters of Istanbul's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu wave Turkish flags during a campaign event before the local elections [Umit Bektas/Reuters]

Istanbul, Turkey – Across much of the world, local elections generate little interest beyond the town hall but in Turkey, voting for officials ranging from metropolitan mayors to neighbourhood representatives grips the nation for weeks ahead of polling day.

Despite having turned out for presidential and parliamentary polls only 10 months ago, Turkish television and newspapers have been full of news, opinion and debate on the March 31 local vote.