Turkey election 2014: Recep Tayyip Erdogan wins first direct presidential election

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won Turkey’s first direct presidential election.

With almost all the votes counted, current PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan had won about 52%, against 38% for main rival Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu.

The huge margin of victory means there is no need for a run-off.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has vowed to bolster the power of the president, promised supporters a “social reconciliation period”, saying: “Let’s leave the old discussions in the old Turkey.”

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won Turkey’s first direct presidential election (photo AFP/Getty Images)

He added in the speech in Ankara: “Today, not only those who love us, but also those who don’t have won. Today Turkey has won.”

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has spent three terms as prime minister, is revered by supporters for boosting the economy and giving a voice to conservatives.

His critics lament his authoritarian approach and Islamist leanings in a secular state.

After the provisional results were announced Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, joint candidate for the two main opposition parties, said: “I congratulate the prime minister and wish him success.”

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been prime minister since 2003 and was barred from standing for another term.

He needed more than 50% of the vote for an outright victory, avoiding a second round.

Turnout appears to be much lower than expected – some voters may have been dissuaded by the summer heat and holidays.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s other rival, Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas, took about 9% of the vote.

[youtube VSzqBJLFPUg 650]