A run-off between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his main challenger looks increasingly likely, after Turkey’s most closely fought election in decades
Turkey’s Supreme Election Council says Erdogan is on 49.49% of the vote, with his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu on 44.79%, with nearly all the votes counted
If neither man secures 50%, there will be a second poll in two weeks’ time
The incumbent has performed far better than the pre-election polls, which had appeared to suggest Kilicdaroglu’s opposition alliance could triumph
However Erdogan’s Islamic-rooted alliance has retained its edge
Erdogan has told his AK Party supporters in Ankara that he is ready for a run-off poll if necessary, but believes he can still win outright
Kilicdaroglu has vowed to win the election in a second round, saying his rival failed to get a vote of confidence from the people
The election comes against the background of soaring inflation and in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes.
