President Erdogan casts his vote in Saffet Cebi Middle School in Uskudar, Istanbul

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cast his vote in Uskudar for the March 31 local elections.

President Erdogan and first lady Emine Erdogan left their residence in Kisikli, Uskudar, around 1:15 p.m. to cast their votes at Saffet Cebi Middle School.

Greeted by the cheers of citizens filling the schoolyard, Erdogan was welcomed by Uskudar Mayor Hilmi Turkmen, AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Osman Nuri Kabaktepe, and other officials.

Erdogan, accompanied by his wife Emine Erdogan, joined the queue in front of the classroom where ballot box number 3308 was located. They shook hands with the ballot box officials and handed over their identity cards for necessary checks.

After entering the voting booth and casting their votes, Erdogan and his wife placed their ballot envelopes into the box, sealed and signed them.

Erdogan said, "After the recent parliamentary and presidential elections, followed now by the local government elections, our nation has faced significant fatigue from two consecutive elections in a short span. This fatigue has affected us as well, given the intense campaign period. Nevertheless, this election marks the dawn of a new era in our country."

"I wish these elections to be the beginning of a new era and a new century in our country. I would like to thank our people for their loyalty. I thank you very much, personally and on behalf of all my party friends," he added. 

Erdogan will be the 341st voter out of 346 at the 3308 numbered ballot box, with 341 voters and five ballot box officials.

On the voter list, Erdogan is listed as number 249, and Emine Erdogan as number 248.

Source: Newsroom