Erdogan wins Turkish election, extending rule to third decade.

Erdogan wins Turkish election, extending rule to third decade.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won Turkey’s presidential election, defeating opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu in Sunday’s runoff vote and stretching his rule into a third decade.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won the country's presidential election, securing his rule for a third decade by defeating opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the runoff vote. With 99.43% of the votes counted, Erdogan emerged as the winner with 52.14% of the votes, while Kilicdaroglu received 47.86%. Erdogan addressed his supporters in Ankara, calling for unity around national goals and dreams, and emphasized priorities such as fighting inflation and rebuilding after a devastating earthquake. Kilicdaroglu vowed to continue fighting for real democracy in Turkey and expressed concern for the future of the country.

Leaders from several countries, including Russia, the United States, and Sweden, congratulated Erdogan on his victory. Erdogan's supporters celebrated in Istanbul, expressing their devotion to him. However, critics of Erdogan argued that the country remains deeply divided, with both sides having different visions for Turkey's future.

In the first round of voting, Erdogan had a lead over Kilicdaroglu but fell short of the required threshold for an outright victory. His parliamentary bloc also secured a majority in the parliamentary race on the same day. The election was marked by high turnout and the formation of a unified opposition bloc aimed at challenging Erdogan's rule.

Erdogan faces challenges such as an ailing economy and criticism of his handling of the earthquake response. His economic policies, including low interest rates and high inflation, have come under scrutiny. He has also maintained a special relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and continued to block Sweden's NATO access, citing concerns about Kurdish terrorist groups.

Erdogan has positioned himself as a key mediator in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, playing a role in brokering agreements and ensuring the flow of essential goods. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Erdogan on his victory and expressed hope for strengthening strategic partnerships.

Overall, Erdogan's victory extends his tenure as Turkish president, but the election highlights the deep divisions within the country and the challenges that lie ahead.