Turkey elections impacted by restrictions on freedom, says OSCE
Observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) concluded on Monday that opposition parties were denied equal conditions for campaigning in Turkey's election race, Deutsche Welle reports.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan celebrated victory as his main rival accepted the official results of Sunday's election despite complaints over how the campaign was conducted. The vote was the first held under a new system which gives the president expansive powers.
The OSCE found that excessive media coverage and emergency measures tilted the playing field in favor of Erdogan and the Turkish president and the ruling Justice and Development party enjoyed an undue advantage.
The organization says restrictions on freedom of speech, media freedom and freedom of assembly impacted the vote.
Some world leaders were quick to congratulate Erdogan on his electoral victory, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, while others such as Germany's chancellor took longer to send their regards.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she looked forward to working with a "stable and pluralist Turkey in which democratic participation and rights are reinforced."
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Erdogan's "great political authority." The two leaders later had a phone conversation about improving bilateral ties.
British Prime Minister Theresa May said she hoped the UK and Turkey could continue cooperation on security and trade, noting the "important of the bilateral relationship."