Campaigning ramps up in Istanbul ahead of Turkey's elections Candidates take to the streets in Istanbul as campaigning ramps up ahead of Turkey's elections. To keep control of Istanbul at the municipal elections on March 31, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken no risk and fielded his former premier and ruling party heavyweight Binali Yildirim in order to lead the battle. IMAGES and SOUNDBITES of candidates meeting voters in Istanbul and parties campaigning