ANKARA, August 10 (RIA Novosti) – Main rival of Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey’s presidential race, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, has congratulated a winner on his victory.
“A month ago, a few people knew about me but today almost 40 percent of voters have supported me. This number is very important and demonstrative. I congratulate Tayyip Erdogan on his victory and extend my good wishes,” Ihsanoglu said addressing his supporters in Istanbul.
First direct presidential vote came to close in Turkey. Since 1923, the country’s leader was appointed by the parliament. Turkey’s incumbent Prime Minister Erdogan has won the election securing 52 percent of the vote. Ihsanoglu garnered 38.8 percent of the vote and candidate Selahattin Demirtas gained 9.1 percent.
The country’s electoral authorities have not yet officially announced the final results but the participants, as well as the monitors, already pronounced Erdogan a winner.
The voter turnout was 73.1 percent. A total of 40.9 million people cast their vote in the election.
