Erdogan’s ruling AK Party, which also lost control of the capital Ankara in the March 31 mayoral elections, has already filed an appeal to Turkey’s High Election Board to annul the election in Istanbul due to what it says were irregularities and hold a fresh poll, Reuters reported.

“There is a controversy here, it’s clear. There is an irregularity here, that’s clear too. Let’s go to the people and see what they say and whatever the outcome, we will accept it,” Erdogan told Turkish businesspeople in Istanbul.

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