Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the presidential and parliamentary elections on Sunday, May 14, as a "great festival of democracy" held "in peace and tranquility."
The elections demonstrate Turkey's "democratic maturity," Erdogan, who is seeking re-election, said in a Twitter post.
The leader criticized the rush by some to announce the results while the votes were still being counted, saying it amounted to "usurping the national will," according to the Anadulu Agency.
"Given that the elections were held in such a positive democratic environment, and while the votes are still being counted, rushing to announce the results would be a usurpation of the national will," he said.
"We are pleased that our nation's support is reflected in the ongoing vote count," he added.
He also urged citizens who are serving at the polls not to leave their places until the end of the counts and the results are officially announced.
