Local Government
There are 27 districts with their own council and mayor which are elected by the public every five years. The Municipal council is the main form of decision-making in Istanbul. The district councils are independent and are responsible for their district's waste management and construction. The members of the council are made up of Mayors of different municipalities. The council makes the final decision or approves decisions in the district, such as district budgets. There is also the Metropolitan Executive Committee which is a advisory body, whose members are assigned by the mayor. While they are an advisory body, they are also in charge of certain objectives such as tariffs and transportation.
Istanbul's Mayor
The Mayor of Istanbul is Kadir Topbas, who has perviously been Mayor to the Beygoula Disirt in 1999. Kadir was born in the Yusufeli district, but grew up in Istanbul. He has graduated from Marmara University, and after University pursued a career in architect. Kadir ran for Mayorship of Istanbul at 2004 and won. Since wining he has won the last three elections in Istanbul, allowing him to stay as mayor.