Erdogan: Democracy winner of Turkish elections

By Burcu Arik, Sibel Ugurlu and Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Democracy is the winner of Sunday's presidential and parliamentary elections, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said early Monday.

Addressing the nation from the balcony of Justice and Development (AK) Party headquarters in capital Ankara after his election victory, Erdogan said every one of the 81 million Turkish citizens is a winner.

"Winners of June 24 elections are Turkey, Turkish nation, sufferers of our region and all oppressed in the world," he said.

He also thanked Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader, members and voters.

"I would like to express my gratitude to my people, my brothers and sisters who put their trust in me, my alliance and my party," he said.

Earlier on Sunday, Erdogan declared his success in Turkey's historic presidential and parliamentary elections.

AK Party is also leading in parliamentary elections. Along with the MHP, the AK Party’s election ally, the People's Alliance has won majority of the votes so far.

The president said he received the citizens' message in the polls. "In this term, we will be before our nation and make up for our shortcomings.

"Starting from tomorrow, we will be in a rush trying to deliver on promises that we have made to our nation."

He also pointed out that his government would confront terror groups more decisively. "We will increase our country's international reputation," he added.