Erdogan is set to face a runoff in Turkey's tense elections.

Turkey's presidential election appears likely to go to a second round after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan failed to secure 50% of votes cast to decisively extend his 20-year rule. The third candidate, Sinan Ogan, received 5.28% of votes, raising the possibility he could be a kingmaker in a runoff. Erdogan had 49.34% of votes, compared to 44.99% for his main opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, meaning neither could claim an outright win. The outcome of the make-or-break vote is also being closely watched internationally, especially in Moscow and Europe. Turkey, a NATO member, has strengthened its ties with Russia in recent years, and has raised eyebrows in the West by continuing to maintain close ties with Russia as it continues its Ukraine onslaught.