With approximately 51 percent of the ballot boxes counted, incumbent Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, representing the CHP, was leading in Istanbul, the country's largest city and economic hub. Similarly, Mayor Mansur Yavas of the capital Ankara was also poised for re-election with a considerable margin, as indicated by early results.

The CHP appeared to be ahead in 35 of Turkey's 81 provinces, based on preliminary results announced by Supreme Election Council (YSK).

The outcome of the local elections was closely watched as a measure of Erdogan's popularity, especially after his party's defeat in key urban areas to the opposition in the previous elections five years ago. The CHP's victories in Ankara and Istanbul in 2019 had challenged Erdogan's long-standing dominance in Turkish politics.

For the opposition, retaining control of Istanbul and Ankara would signify a significant triumph and could serve to rejuvenate their supporters, particularly following setbacks in the previous year's presidential and parliamentary elections.

Over 61 million eligible voters, including more than a million first-time voters, participated in casting their ballots for various municipal positions. Turnout was reported to be around 76 percent, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.

Despite extensive security measures, incidents of violence marred the elections, with one person killed and several others injured in disputes over the election of neighborhood administrators in Diyarbakir and Sanliurfa provinces.

Commenting on the early results, Mayor Imamoglu expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by citizens, with initial figures indicating he secured around 50 percent of the votes in Istanbul, while AKP's candidate Murat Kurum received 41 percent. (ILKHA)