Despite all the pressure, Kemal Kilicdaroglu believes that one thing is clear:

"The people want to replace authoritarianism.

Kilicdaroglu went to the polls with promises to improve democracy in the country, restore the economy by returning to more conventional policies and to improve ties with the West.

"We will continue to be at the forefront of this fight until real democracy takes over our country," he said, thanking the more than 25 million people who voted for him.

"I ask you to continue the fight for democracy," he said, concluding his call.

Leader of the opposition IYI party congratulates with pique

Opposition IYI leader Meral Aksener congratulated President Erdogan on his victory and said she would continue her opposition to the AKP.

In a speech in Ankara, Aksener said the results showed that there is a big lesson that Erdogan needs to learn, adding that she hopes he acts as president for all Turks.

She also expressed disappointment over Erdogan's victory speech in Istanbul where he sharply criticized opposition presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu.