29 May 2023

Erdoğan claims victory in Turkey election

From Morning Report, 6:11 am on 29 May 2023
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at an election rally of the Justice and Development Party in the Kasimpasa district of central Istanbul. Presidential candidates from all parties hold campaign rallies across Turkey on the last day. (Photo by Shady Alassar/NurPhoto) (Photo by Shady Alassar / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)

Photo: AFP

Turkey's incumbent President is claiming victory in the country's historic run off presidential election, with almost all votes counted.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan failed to get 50% of the votes required to win the first round, forcing a runoff with rival Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

The election has international implications including Turkey's support for Ukraine, and its ability to block or allow other countries to join NATO.

Turkish correspondent Trent Murray spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.