With more than 96% of ballot boxes counted, Mr Erdogan led with 49.44% of the vote and Mr Kilicdaroglu had 44.86%, according to state news agency Anadolu, setting up a direct confrontation in the second round on May 28.
Incumbent President Tayyip Erdogan greets his supporters. Photo: Reuters
The presidential vote will decide not only who leads Türkiye, a NATO member state of 85 million people, but also key relations with Russia, the Middle East and the West.
Mr Erdogan has faced some political pressure recently, with his unstable economic policies causing a cost-of-living crisis and soaring inflation. His government’s slow response to the devastating earthquake in southeastern Turkey that killed 50,000 people has also disappointed voters.
Meanwhile, Mr Kilicdaroglu has pledged to restore democracy, return to more liberal economic policies and rebuild fragile relations with the West.
The leading candidates in Türkiye's direct presidential election. With no candidate winning a majority, the election will go into a runoff with the top two candidates. Photo: Reuters
The third nationalist presidential candidate, Sinan Ogan, took 5.3% of the vote. He is seen as the X-factor, as his choice of who to support in the direct confrontation between Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu will have a major impact on the final result.
Turks also voted in a new parliament yesterday. With 93% of votes counted, Mr Erdogan's coalition had won 324 seats in the 600-seat parliament.
Kilicdaroglu's National Alliance, made up of six opposition parties, including the Republican People's Party (CHP), is expected to win 211 seats. The Labor and Freedom Alliance, led by the pro-Kurdish Green Left party, won 65 seats.
Huy Hoang (according to Reuters, Anadolu)
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