Speaking at a news conference in Istanbul, Erdogan said the next elections would be held in June 2023 and that Turkey would carefully implement a “strong economic program” without compromising on free market rules.

After three-quarters of ballot boxes were opened in Ankara, secularist opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) mayoral candidate Mansur Yavas had 49.8 percent of the vote, 2.0 percentage points ahead of his AKP rival, Reuters reported.

The AK Party has been in power in the capital since Erdogan came to power 16 years ago.

While the AK Party looked set to hold Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, defeat in Ankara would be a major setback for Erdogan who campaigned relentlessly for two months ahead of a vote which he described as a “matter of survival” for Turkey.

AKP candidate and former prime minister Binali Yildirim had received 50.1 percent of votes, while the main opposition’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate stood at 47.3 percent, NTV said.

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