Türkiye is winner, its democracy is winner: President Erdogan

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) — All of Türkiye and its democracy won in Sunday's elections, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after he was reelected president of the country in Sunday's runoff election.

"We are not the only winners. Türkiye is the winner, our democracy is the winner," Erdogan said, addressing thousands of his supporters gathered in front of the presidential complex in the capital Ankara.

"No one has lost today. All 85 million have won. Now is the time to unite around our national goals and national dreams," he added, referring to Türkiye's population of 85 million.

Erdogan's reelection was confirmed by the chairman of the country's Supreme Election Council (YSK) on Sunday evening.

Speaking to reporters in Ankara, YSK head Ahmet Yener said Erdogan won Türkiye's presidency over opposition challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the second-round runoff vote.

According to unofficial results, the Turkish incumbent won the race with 52.14%, while Kilicdaroglu got 47.86% of the votes, he said, adding that 99.43% of the ballot boxes have been opened so far.

"In one of the most important elections of our multi-party political history, our nation made its decision in favor of the 'Century of Türkiye'," Erdogan said.

Erdogan's supporters gathered at the presidential complex and celebrated the election victory by chanting a song written for the president.