“The statement by the U.S. State Department spokesman on Turkey’s election process should be condemned,” AKP spokesman Omer Celik told reporters at the party’s headquarters in the capital, Ankara.

Celik said it was incomprehensible for Palladino to make such a statement, which could be interpreted as meddling in the election process and results in Turkey.

"Free and fair elections are essential for any democracy. That means acceptance of legitimate election results, which is essential,” Palladino said at a press briefing.

“We expect nothing less from Turkey, which has a long, proud tradition in this respect,” he added.

According to Reuters Celik said that “no foreign government, or any organ or statement from it, is a source of legitimacy for the election process and election results in Turkey.”

On Sunday, millions of Turkish citizens cast their votes in nationwide elections to choose the country’s mayors, city council members, mukhtars (neighborhood officials) and members of elder councils for the next five years.

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