Overview

• Kontalis gathered over 500 handwritten signatures in two days, surpassing the 380-signature requirement to qualify for the September 19 mayoral election.
• His independent bid demanded face-to-face engagement with residents, since no online form existed for nonpartisan supporters.
• City officials expressed surprise at the volume of signatures, noting other parties had secured only a handful after months of efforts.
• Kontalis is promoting a platform aimed at modernizing the city, including policy proposals from infrastructure updates to lowering Döner prices.
• He faces skepticism and personal jabs from figures like ex-partner Yeliz Koc, but he insists on the seriousness of his campaign as he prepares for the vote.