Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won a record-breaking third term as Turkish president. The politician had previously served as the state’s prime minister between 2003 and 2014.
He will now serve in power for another five years, having defeated Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the polls. It was however a tense affair, with the incumbent leading by just one percentage point at times.
But, with 99% of boxes open, the result was declared in favour of the ruling politician, with 52% of the votes. Shortly after 8pm local time, Erdogan stepped out of his home and addressed supporters.
According to Sky News, he thanked people for “giving us the responsibility to rule for the next five years”.
The vote was the first time Turkey’s presidential position had come to a “run-off” election. It came after neither party won 50% of votes after the first round of voting earlier this month.
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Erdogan has now been congratulated by world leaders including Rishi Sunak.
“Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this evening to congratulate him on his re-election,” a No 10 spokeswoman said.
“The Prime Minister reiterated the strong relationship between the United Kingdom and Turkey, as economic partners and close Nato allies.
“He reflected on Turkey’s ongoing recovery from the devastating earthquakes earlier this year and pledged the UK’s continued solidarity with the Turkish people. The leaders agreed to continue working closely together to address shared challenges.”
“Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this evening to congratulate him on his re-election,” a No 10 spokeswoman said.
“The Prime Minister reiterated the strong relationship between the United Kingdom and Turkey, as economic partners and close Nato allies.
“He reflected on Turkey’s ongoing recovery from the devastating earthquakes earlier this year and pledged the UK’s continued solidarity with the Turkish people.
“The leaders agreed to continue working closely together to address shared challenges.”
Vladimir Putin, who wrote a lengthy message to Mr Erdogan, which concluded: “From the bottom of my heart I wish you new successes in such a responsible activity as the head of state, as well as good health and well-being.”
While French President Emmanuel Macron sent well wishes, as well as reiterating the “immense challenges” both countries face. He added: “The return of peace to Europe, the future of our Euro-Atlantic Alliance, the Mediterranean Sea. With President Erdogan, whom I congratulate on his re-election, we will continue to move forward.”
Erdogan’s opponant refused to admit defeat. Rivals have suggested Kilicdaroglu would have offered a different approach to Erdogan, who is often considered authoratarian.
“I wasn’t able to defend your rights,” Kilicdaroglu began by saying. “I did not shirk against an unjust structure, I could not be a silent devil and I was not.”
