Voters in Istanbul face a unique challenge due to the use of four separate ballots. This has led to longer wait times and some congestion at polling stations, particularly in the morning hours. The ballots include selections for metropolitan mayor, provincial general assembly membership, district mayor, and municipal council membership.

The mayoral race in Istanbul features a crowded field of 49 candidates, necessitating a particularly long ballot paper – 97 centimeters in length. Folding these ballots and placing them in envelopes is contributing to the wait times for voters.

While voter turnout remains low in the morning, election officials anticipate an increase in participation throughout the afternoon.

It's worth noting that compared to the presidential and parliamentary elections held last May, the number of registered voters in Istanbul has decreased by 36,455. (ILKHA)