Turkey’s first direct presidential election produced a predictable triumph for Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prime minister since 2003 and leader of the conservative Justice and Development (AK) party.
It confirms that his blend of dynamic economic development and Islamism with Turkish characteristics is, for millions of voters, an attractive combination. However, Sunday’s result provides insufficient reassurance that he will use his new power to uphold democratic principles, observe the rule of law, steer the economy competently through challenging times and, where possible, improve relations with Turkey’s international partners and neighbours.
To his credit, Mr Erdogan sounded a note of national harmony in his victory speech, proclaiming that all Turkish citizens, whatever their political allegiances, religious beliefs and ethnic origins, are sons and daughters of one country.