Counting Votes in Turkey's Election; Kilicdaroglu Claims He is 'Leading', Not Erdogan

Updated - Reports from Reuters and the Associated Press on the initial results of Turkey's presidential election on Sunday indicate that Recep Tayyip Erdogan is ahead of his main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu. According to the Associated Press, Erdogan's votes are around 52 percent and Kilicdaroglu's initial votes are about 42 percent; however, as counting continues, the gap between the two may narrow. Current results are based on the counting of 47 percent of the votes. Kilicdaroglu: I am leading in the initial vote count. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, one of the main candidates in Turkey's presidential election, rejected claims by state media that Erdogan is leading in the initial results, stating that he himself is in the lead. Reports from Reuters and the Associated Press, citing Turkey's state news agency Anadolu, show that Erdogan is ahead of Kilicdaroglu in the initial election results. Historic elections in Turkey. Voting in the parliamentary and presidential elections, which began at 8 AM local time, ended at 5 PM, and polling stations were closed. However, those who were in line were allowed to cast their votes, and counting will begin afterward. No major security incidents or disorder have been reported at polling stations in Turkey. However, Al Jazeera reported that 'unfortunately, three people - a polling station supervisor and two voters - suffered heart attacks due to the palpable excitement and tension that has engulfed the country.' Millions of eligible citizens in this country went to the polls on Sunday. Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan cast their votes at a polling station in Istanbul on Sunday morning. Meanwhile, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, representing the opposition coalition, and his wife Selvi Kilicdaroglu cast their votes at a polling station in Ankara. 64 million Turkish citizens are eligible to vote in today's pivotal elections, and published images indicate high citizen participation in the elections. The Turkish elections are at the forefront of the world's major news, and many observers believe this election may mark the beginning of a new political era in Turkey. Reuters reported that this voting will transform Turkey's political and economic future. According to this news agency, if victorious, 'Kilicdaroglu' as Erdogan's most serious rival will face challenges in keeping the opposition coalition, which includes nationalists, Islamists, secularists, and liberals united. CNN also noted that in the past two years, the value of the Turkish lira has sharply decreased and prices have significantly increased, undermining Erdogan's conservative base and support from the working class. 'Yucel Kuc,' a Turkish journalist, stated in an interview with Voice of America: 'Erdogan has pursued a national and indigenous policy that the Turkish people have supported.' According to him, the opposition wants to change foreign policy, while he believes that Erdogan's government has pursued 'the best approach' in the Ukraine war and the Syrian conflict. Kuc described Turkey as 'the most democratic' country in the world and believes that freedoms are ongoing at all levels in this country. 'Suat Ozchagdas,' a senior member of the Republican People's Party of Turkey, also told Voice of America regarding today's elections: 'For us, peace in the Middle East is a priority, and our leader Kilicdaroglu will pursue this position.' Ozchagdas emphasized that the Republican People's Party of Turkey will pursue new policies regarding migrants if victorious, stating that 'Syrian refugees must return home, which requires establishing peace.' He mentioned that obtaining citizenship through property purchase in Turkey will also be reviewed, and a new approach will be pursued. According to this politician, Turkey is 'in an era far from freedom and democracy' and 'needs rapid and clear reforms.' Voting for Turkey's simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections began at 8 AM local time on Sunday, May 14, and continued until 5 PM local time. According to Turkey's voting system, the winner of the presidential election must secure more than 50 percent of the votes; otherwise, the election will go to a second round. Ahead of the Turkish elections, concerns about election result manipulation and unrest have intensified. What will be the impact of the Turkish elections on Washington-Ankara relations? The atmosphere in Turkey ahead of the presidential election; Leili Nikfar reports. The difficult decision for Turkish citizens; Erdogan's powerful displays or Kilicdaroglu's calm and confidence in victory. Turkish elections; Erdogan becomes the imam of Hagia Sophia in the style of Ottoman sultans. The opposition's alignment against Erdogan ahead of the Turkish elections.