An official holds a ballot reading "Istambul mayoral election: combined ballots from political parties and independent candidates" at the start of the municipal elections, in Istanbul on March 31, 2024. Turkish citizens head to the polls on March 31, 2024, in local elections as the President sets his sights on winning back Istanbul, the country's economic powerhouse, after he was re-elected head of state in a tight contest last year. The latest elections come in the throes of an economic crisis that saw the inflation rate surge to 67.1 percent and the Turkish currency crumble against dollar. (Photo by YASIN AKGUL / AFP)