Recep Tayyip Erdogan was re-elected President of Turkey after securing victory in a close-fought presidential runoff on Sunday night.
With 99% of the results counted, the conservative leader – who has been in power for two decades – was declared the victor by Turkey's electoral authorities after garnering just over 52% of the vote.
"We are not the only ones who have won, Turkey has won … our democracy has won," Erdogan said in an impassioned speech to supporters on Sunday night. "The main thing is that our country does not deviate from its goals, and our nation takes care to remain united. This is the biggest message of today's elections."
Following the results, Erdogan's rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu – who received 2 million fewer votes than Erdogan – complained of massive state interference in support of the current President during the campaign.
"We experienced the most unfair election in recent years," Kilicdaroglu said. "All of the means of the state were mobilised for a political party," he added, referring to Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP). The 74-year-old reformer also noted that his Republican People's Party (CHP) will "continue our struggle... until real democracy comes to our country."
Erdogan, who will remain President until 2028, faces a number of challenges over the coming months. Inflation in Turkey is currently running at 44%, while the country is still dealing with the economic and emotional aftermath of a devastating earthquake earlier this year which killed more than 50,000 people.
Loved by all?
In a reflection of his country's general geostrategic importance as well as its specific role as a balancing power between East and West, Erdogan was warmly congratulated by both Western and non-Western leaders following his victory.
"I congratulate @RTErdogan on winning the elections," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "I look forward to continue building the EU-Türkiye relationship. It is of strategic importance for both the EU and Türkiye to work on advancing this relationship, for the benefit of our people."
I congratulate @RTErdogan on winning the elections.
I look forward to continue building the EU-Türkiye relationship. It is of strategic importance for both the EU and Türkiye to work on advancing this relationship, for the benefit of our people. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 28, 2023
US President Joe Biden similarly tweeted: "Congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye on his re-election. I look forward to continuing to work together as NATO Allies on bilateral issues and shared global challenges."
Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated his "dear friend" Erdogan for achieving re-election. "The election victory was a natural result of your selfless work as the head of the Republic of Turkey, clear evidence of the support of the Turkish people for your efforts to strengthen state sovereignty and conduct an independent foreign policy."
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also commended Erdogan for his victory, noting that he "look[s] forward to further strengthening the strategic partnership for the benefit of other countries, as well as strengthening cooperation for the security and stability of Europe."
