Irregularities clear in Istanbul polls: Erdoğan

ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signaled on May 4 that he favors a re-run of a mayoral election in Istanbul which resulted in a victory for the candidate of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

Erdoğan's ruling AKP has  already filed an appeal to Turkey's High Election Board YSK) to annul the election in Istanbul due to what it says were irregularities and hold a fresh poll.

"There is a controversy here, it's clear. There is an irregularity here, that's clear too. Let's go to the people and see what they say and whatever the outcome, we will accept it," Erdoğan told a group of Turkish businesspeople in Istanbul.

“My citizens tell me this; My president, this election should be done again,” Erdoğan said at the opening ceremony of new headquarters for the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MÜSİAD).

"Correcting the corruption in the elections would vindicate the YSK and relieve the hearts of the Turkish people," added Erdoğan.

“All our efforts are towards giving the value of the nation’s vote back to the nation,” he said.

Turkey is ready to provide its full support to international investors, Erdoğan also said, adding that while attacks on the economy via its currency continued, the government was in control of the situation.

"While efforts to collapse our economy through the foreign exchange rate continue, we have control now," Erdoğan said.