Turkey election results; Erdogan falls below 50%

Erdogan’s share of votes falls below 50 percent

With 89 percent of the ballot boxes opened, preliminary unofficial results show President Erdogan’s share of votes at 49.94 percent, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.

As things stand, the Turkish presidential election is going for a run-off on May 28.

Early results show second round likely

Erdogan asks supporters to stay at ballot boxes

Erdogan has released a statement on Twitter – here is a translation of what he said:

“The fact that the May 14 elections took place in the form of a great celebration of democracy with peace and tranquility is an expression of our Turkey’s democratic maturity.

“While the election was held in such a positive and democratic atmosphere and the vote counting is still going on, trying to announce results hastily means usurpation of the national will.

“We are pleased that the favour of our nation is reflected in the ongoing vote count.

“I ask all of my supporters and companions to stay at the ballot boxes, no matter what, until the results are officially finalised.

Istanbul, Ankara mayors say too soon to call the election

The mayors of Istanbul and Ankara say it’s too soon to call the election since not every vote has been counted, Al Jazeera reported.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu said they’re going to accept the results whatever they may be. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş said that Kilicdaroglu may still be able to win the presidential election in the first round,

Erdoğan, Kılıçdaroğlu neck-and-neck in Istanbul 

Votes counting is officially underway in Türkiye’s presidential and parliamentary elections after some 61 million citizens were called on to vote on Sunday.

A total of 43.4% of the ballot boxes have been opened so far in Türkiye’s biggest city Istanbul and unofficial results for the presidential race show a neck-to-neck race between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his main rival Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

Erdoğan clinched 47.48% votes in the metropolitan, while Kılıçdaroğlu is at 47.58%.

Preliminary results put Erdoğan ahead in Turkish elections

More than 40% of the ballot boxes have been opened in the Turkish elections held on Sunday, according to unofficial results. In the presidential elections, incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appears ahead of his closest rival, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the joint leader of the Nation Alliance.

Counting continues

President has posted a tweet declaring the end of the elections.