BREAKING: Erdogan says he may still win in the first round, but a second round would be ‘okay’

Rival campaigns of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu have claimed the lead in Sunday’s high-stakes presidential elections, setting the stage for competing narratives and a likely runoff scenario on May 28, writes the Al-Monitor.

As Turkey waits for official data to be released on Monday, both campaigns claimed an edge in the closest race in the country’s recent history. 

According to the government’s Anadolu news agency, Erdogan is leading Kilicdaroglu by nearly 5% but has slipped below the 50%, making a runoff very likely. According to Anadolu, nearly 97% of ballot boxes have been counted, with Erdogan at 49.42% and Kilicdaroglu at 44.88%.

• Erdogan does NOT claim victory. 
• Runoff seems likely 
• Counting ongoing, waiting absentee 
• Official results will wait until Monday. 
• Opposition questioning the integrity of ballot counting.