Turkey's Islamist-rooted AK Party, led by religious conservatives, has won a resounding victory in the general election, triggering wild celebrations by its supporters across the country.
The country's major cities became a sea of orange, white and blue AKP flags, after supporters heard reports that the party had won nearly 50% of the vote.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan later greeted his jubilant supporters at the AKP's headquarters, pledging to pursue "economic and democratic reforms".
Turnout was more than 80%, as many people cut short their holidays to vote in what was described as a crucial poll for the country's future.
In Istanbul, large crowds then watched the outcome of the elections live on a giant screen.
As Turkey's army chief-of-staff voted, it remained unclear how the secular establishment, including the influential military, would react to the outcome.
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