LOC02:08
23:08 GMT
ISTANBUL, June 24 (KUNA) -- Celebrating his election victory, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised to stick to democratic path and to enhance freedoms in his country.
"Those who were excluded in the past for whatever reason would remain first-class citizens, Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul after winning the election to be Turkey's first leader under a presidential system of governance.
"We will not allow the restriction of the freedoms of citizens because of his ethnicity, faith, clothes or any other factor," he promised.
He announced his victory citing unofficial results and expressed pride in the high turnout in Sunday's election.
"Our nation has given me the duty of the presidency and executive power."
"Turkey has given lessons in democracy to the world with its almost 90 percent voter turnout."
He called on everyone to leave behind all election campaign arguments, tensions and resentments to focus on the country's future.
According to unofficial results based on 98.11 percent ballots counted, Erdogan got 52.52 percent votes.
The AK Party-MHP People's Alliance also apparently secured a parliamentary majority with a combined vote of 53.59 percent. (end)
wa.ibi