Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Secures Re-Election In Tense Run-Off

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged victorious in the re-election race, according to unofficial data from the state-run Anadolu Agency.

After failing to secure more than 50 percent of votes in the first round on May 14, Erdogan faced a tense run-off against his challenger, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

With 97 percent of ballot boxes opened, Erdogan secured 52.1 percent of votes in the second round, defeating Kilicdaroglu who garnered 47.9 percent.

The official confirmation of the results is still pending from the Supreme Election Council.

However, Erdogan's victory solidifies his position in history as he extends his 20-year rule for another five years, surpassing the 15-year presidency of Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

The campaign leading up to the elections witnessed one of the most bitter and contentious periods in recent memory.

Erdogan consistently referred to his opponent as being supported by "terrorists," citing the backing of the main pro-Kurdish party.

On the other hand, Kilicdaroglu ended the campaign by labeling Erdogan a "coward."

The campaign also took on a nationalist tone, with promises from the opposition to expel Syrian and other refugee populations.