ANKARA, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye's main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), led in local elections in key cities, including the country's largest city Istanbul and the capital Ankara, on Sunday, with over 51 percent of the votes, local NTV broadcaster reported, citing initial results.
Turkish Supreme Election Council Chairman Ahmet Yener said 51.2 percent of the total votes were counted and the vote count is still ongoing.
After 79 percent of ballot boxes in Istanbul opened, the incumbent mayor Ekrem Imamoglu representing the CHP garnered 50.53 percent of the votes, while Murat Kurum, the candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), got 40.72 percent.
The CHP is also poised to retain its control of the capital Ankara as well, as the incumbent mayor Mansur Yavas from the CHP has kept his post, with 58.98 percent of the votes, against the AKP candidate Turgut Altinok, who got 32.9 percent.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party lost control of both cities in the last local elections in 2019. In May last year, Erdogan was reelected as president and his alliance secured a majority of seats in the parliament.
(Editor:Fu Bo)
Ecuador: Fire department honors five rescue dogs during retirement
NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week
Three groups are suing New Jersey to block an offshore wind farm
Hurricanes bounce back from 1st loss to beat Waratahs 41
Guardians ruin Francisco Lindor's Cleveland homecoming, trip Mets 3
UK local elections: Boris Johnson turned away after forgetting photo ID
Luke Rowe, who helped 3 leaders win the Tour de France, will retire at the end of the season
Mike Riley, former coach at Oregon State and Nebraska, will take over for Pat Chun on CFP committee
Cristiano Ronaldo to lead Portugal into record sixth European Championship
UFL at midseason: League took best of USFL and XFL, but has a familiar team at top of standings
Australia's deputy prime minister pledges support to Solomon Islands during visit to Honiara
German foreign minister says Russia will face consequences for monthslong cyber espionage