Erdogan declares victory in Turkish presidential election, parliamentary majority for ruling party

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling AK Party claimed victory in Turkey’s presidential and parliamentary polls on Sunday, overcoming the biggest electoral challenge to their rule in 15 years. The main opposition party is yet to officially concede but said it would continue its democratic fight "whatever the result."The Republican People's Party initially accused state media of manipulating results. State news agency Anadolu reported that Erdogan secured nearly 53 percent, with 99 percent of ballots counted.Final results will be announced Friday.Sunday's vote brings in a powerful new executive presidency long sought by Erdogan and backed by a small majority of Turks in a 2017 referendum. Critics argue the new Constitution will give too much power to one person.