Turkish President Erdogan faces second round of voting after tight contest for presidency

15 May 2023, 05:09 | Updated: 15 May 2023, 06:33

Turkey's presidential election could be heading for a run-off, as state-run news agency AA reported that incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dipped below the 50 percent needed to secure another term.
Turkey's presidential election could be heading for a run-off, as state-run news agency AA reported that incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dipped below the 50 percent needed to secure another term. Picture: Getty
Kieran Kelly

By Kieran Kelly

Turkey's election is 'highly likely' to go to a run-off, with the two main candidates appearing to fail to clear the 50% threshold needed to avoid a second round.

With around 97 per cent of votes counted, Recep Tayyip Erdogan leads with 49.39% of the vote share, while Kemal Kilicdaroglu has 44.92%, according to state-owned news agency Anadolu.

The results, whether they come within days or after a second round of voting takes place in two weeks, will determine if a Nato ally that straddles Europe and Asia but borders Syria and Iran remains under Mr Erdogan's control or resumes the more democratic path promised by his main rival, opposition leader Mr Kilicdaroglu.

Speaking in Ankara, incumbent president Mr Erdogan, 69, said he could still win but would respect the electorate's decision if the race went to a run-off vote in two weeks.

"We don't yet know if the elections ended in the first round... If our nation has chosen for a second round, that is also welcome," Mr Erdogan said, noting that votes from Turkish citizens living abroad still need to be tallied.

He garnered 60% of the overseas vote in 2018.

Read more: Alastair Campbell says Labour right to consider handing 16 and 17-year-olds vote despite bias fears

Read more: Nurses push for a double-digit pay rise as fresh strikes loom that could run to Christmas

Erdogan supporters light flares as they celebrate in front of the Justice and development Party (AKP's) headquarters after polls closed
Erdogan supporters light flares as they celebrate in front of the Justice and development Party (AKP's) headquarters after polls closed. Picture: Getty

If none of the candidates are able to take a 50 percent share of the vote, a run-off election will take place on May 28.

Mr Erdogan has lead the country for two decades, is facing his toughest challenge as he seeks a third consecutive term as President.

Prior to the election, polls suggested a slight lead for his main rival Mr Kilicdaroglu, who has been picked as unity candidate by six opposition parties, while two polls on Friday him surpassing the 50 percent threshold, though most suggested that it would be a tight contest.

Erdogan greets the crowd outside his residence
Erdogan greets the crowd outside his residence. Picture: Getty
Republican People's Party (CHP) Kemal Kilicdaroglu leaves his home for the party's headquarters to follow the results on Sunday
Republican People's Party (CHP) Kemal Kilicdaroglu leaves his home for the party's headquarters to follow the results on Sunday. Picture: Getty

Turkey's voters are also going to the polls to vote for parliamentarians in their 600-seat assembly on Sunday.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Trump not planning to attack Iran, Starmer insists as US President says he won't kill Supreme Leader 'for now'

Trump not planning to attack Iran, Starmer insists as US President says he won't kill Supreme Leader 'for now'

Dame Katherine Grainger

Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger and former Cabinet Secretary Simon Case given peerages

Matheus Cunha signs his Manchester United contract

When does the summer 2025 transfer window open and close?

Iranian soldiers in Tehran. The country has one of the strongest armies in the Middle East

Does Iran have nuclear weapons and what is its military capability?

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer.

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer providing 'lifeline' to domestic abuse survivors

Screen grab taken from PA video of Katie Wallis (left) leaving Cardiff Magistrates' Court after they pleaded guilty to the harassment of their ex-wife, Rebecca Wallis.

Former Conservative MP pleads guilty to harassing ex-wife

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison - alleging prison staff are to blame

The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, Putney.

South London nurse struck off over 'sexually motivated' WhatsApps to colleague, claiming it was 'just banter'

Annabel Rook

Charity boss found stabbed to death in London home after police rushed to scene following 'gas explosion'

Exclusive
British Army soldiers gather outside the hospitality chalet of aerospace manufacturer Thales.

UK would ‘lose war with Russia’ in current setup, as Army chief calls for greater use of attack drones and missiles

Bethan James died on February 8, 2020, after alleged delays to treatment.

Ex-England cricketer’s daughter 'could have been saved' if medics didn't 'miss signs of sepsis', inquest hears

Woodburn's co-star Aggie Mackenzie has acknowledged the death by giving a statement.

Aggie MacKenzie breaks silence after death of 'tortured soul' Kim Woodburn decades on from pair's feud

Easyjet flights to Spain are set to be grounded

Easyjet cabin crew announce three days of summer strike action grounding flights later this month

Chris Wilder

Sheffield United set to sack Chris Wilder after missing out on promotion to the Premier League

acegoers attending Day One of Royal Ascot 2025, Ascot Racecourse

Style takes the reins: Racegoers dazzle on day one at Ascot