But even as Erdogan's supporters set off fireworks to celebrate their victory, Turkey's main opposition party said they will challenge numerous votes. The protesters, many of them university students below the age of 30, wore colorful masks shouting "No!" and beat drums, pots and pans as they marched Istiklal Street in Istanbul.
Turkey's Prime Minister last night declared a victory based on unofficial results for backers of a referendum to greatly expand the powers of the country's President.
"In view of the close referendum result and the far-reaching implications of the constitutional amendments, we. call on the Turkish authorities to seek the broadest possible national consensus in their implementation", said a statement issued by European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker, EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn.
Supporters of the "Yes" vote celebrate in Istanbul, on Sunday, April 16, 2017.
In a news conference in Ankara, Guven said the "voting papers and envelopes that were claimed to be void and disputed are YSK-made, real, legitimate, non-fake ballots". "At any rate, joining would not work right now", he added, noting that Turkey must decide which direction to take.
They include a repeal of military courts, a restructuring of Turkey's board of judges and prosecutors, as well as the annulment of a law that required the president to sever any party ties.
He repeated the refrain he used often in speeches during the referendum campaign that it did not matter what the European Union thought. Because they're contesting the vote, the opposition parties have not conceded.
It sets a limit of two five-year terms for presidents, and also allows the president to remain at the helm of a political party.
North Korean Official Threatens 'Weekly' Missile Tests as White House Condemns Launches
Pence will try to steer clear of South Korea's tumultuous domestic politics ahead of elections next month. "We are with you 100%". But the USA is also working with China , North Korea's main ally, to pressure the regime to stop nuclear and missile tests.
With 98 per cent of the votes counted many now fear Erdogan has been given permission to shape Parliament to his wishes. The AP reports that supporters of the "yes" vote have dominated the airwaves, while supporters of the "no" vote have complained of intimidation.
Here's what the numbers say about the vote.
Global observers from the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) are due to give their preliminary findings on the referendum later Monday.
The opposition is contesting the result and Erdoğan's first speech shows he is concerned that the global community may not accept the results as legitimate.
"Even though I choose "no" and the results came out "yes" I wish the best to our country", he said.
In Istanbul, accountant Mete Cetinkaya was anxious about his country's future.
Many pro-government newspapers praised the results.
Sozcu newspaper, one of a few newspapers critical of the government, referred to the alleged irregularities and asked in its headline: "Is your conscience at ease?"
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