Erdogan declares AKP victory in local polls, 8 killed in clashesMarch 31, 2014 - 10:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared victory for his party, condemning opposition members as "traitors." The conservative premier said the result was a vindication of his party's policies, Deutsche Welle reports. With more than 81 percent of the votes counted, Erdogan's conservative Justice and Development Party (AKP) had received 45.3 percent of the vote, the broadcaster CNN Turk said early on Monday, March 31. Its main rival, the center-left Republican People's Party (CHP) garnered 28.2 percent. Claiming victory, Erdogan labeled some members of the opposition "traitors" and said the electorate had judged them accordingly. "You have supported your prime minister, I thank you infinitely," Erdogan told the crowd, speaking from the balcony of his party's Ankara headquarters. "Democracy has won, free will has won. The people have delivered a proper Ottoman slap to them," he said. Despite the apparent gap in polling nationally, the race was said to be closer in the capital Ankara. While the AKP were initially polling at about 45 percent, the CHP was running just behind, at some 43 percent. The CHP has complained of instances of electoral fraud in some municipalities. There were clashes in rural areas, with eight people reported to have died in violence. The local polls have become viewed as a referendum on Erdogan's government after it was tainted by a corruption scandal. The premier caused widespread anger among liberals in the run up to the elections when he blocked access to Twitter and You Tube to Turkish Internet users. Erdogan, who has been condemned as increasingly authoritarian, claimed the sites were being used to spread lies against the government. Turkey's social media networks have been filled with recordings that allegedly show Erdogan talking to his son about hiding large sums of money. The prime minister has described the recordings as fakes created by his political rivals. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |