Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan outperformed the expectations of opinion polls in the first round of the country’s presidential elections, securing a comfortable lead over his nearest rival. With more than 97% of the vote counted, Erdogan has won 52.5% of the vote, compared to 30.6% for his nearest challenger, Muharrem Ince, the candidate of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).
The result means that Erdogan and Ince will go head-to-head in a second-round runoff vote set for July 8. Erdogan, who has been in power since 2003, is widely expected to win the runoff and secure a second term in office.
The election is seen as a crucial test for the Turkish leader, who has faced criticism for his increasingly authoritarian style of rule and his crackdown on dissent. The results will also have a major impact on the country’s future economic and political direction.