Turkish police clash with protesters over polls results

Turkish police clash with thousands of opposition demonstrators protesting against the results of mayoral elections in the major cities of Ankara and Istanbul.

Police fired water cannon in Ankara on Tuesday to disperse thousands of protesters outside the Supreme Electoral Council (YSK) demanding a partial recount in national polls.

The demonstrators were chanting anti-government slogans.

The Turkish opposition has rejected the results of the votes in Ankara and Istanbul, saying there have been irregularities in these two mega cities.

Turkey’s main opposition party plans to lodge separate appeals against municipal election results in Antalya and Ankara, where it suffered a narrow defeat to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

An official from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) on Monday said they are preparing an appeal application by comparing Ankara’s ballot box records with data from the Supreme Electoral Council.

Opposition supporters also gathered at CHP headquarters on Monday claiming fraud.

The Erdogan administration has been faced with mass protests, corruption scandals and criticism for internet blocks over the past months, which mark the most turbulent period in his 11-year rule.

Erdogan declared victory late on Sunday and warned his rivals that they will “pay the price” for their accusations and criticism.

The elections are seen as a key test for the premier ahead of a presidential vote scheduled for August.