Istanbul begins rerun of mayoral vote

Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) Binali Yildirim, the candidate of the People's Alliance in alliance with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), on Saturday participated in a breakfast with business people in Istanbul.

Turkey's Vice President Fuat Oktay and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu voiced support for Yildirim in their speeches Saturday, underlining the importance of coming elections for the country.

Republican People's Party's (CHP) Ekrem Imamoglu, the candidate of Nation Alliance with the Good Party (IP), backed by the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), held two rallies in Istanbul the same day.

In his speech Imamoglu vowed to end what he called "wasteful spending" and share the city's resources with the people.

The election coincides with the primary holiday season. Local media reported that many people had returned from vacation to be able to vote on Sunday, citing increased bus and flight services.

Sunday's vote is to elect the mayor of Istanbul only, unlike the election in March when voters across the country chose mayors, municipal assemblies, and neighborhood administrators.

Around 10.56 million people are eligible to vote.

The story is based on Daily Sabah