
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned opposition parties that their attempts to challenge his referendum victory 'will be in vain'.

Thousands of protesters took to the street in a rally against the controversial victory, which will give President Erdogan sweeping new powers and could see him remain as president until 2029.

It comes as shocking video from last night's demonstrations appeared to show a protester being attacked by pro-Erdogan Turks. In the clip, a person is chased down by a large group, who surround them and kick them to the ground.

This morning, opposition parties complained of a number of irregularities in the voting, and were particularly incensed by an electoral board decision announced on Sunday afternoon to accept as valid ballots that did not bear the official stamp.

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Thousands of people gathered in Istanbul to protest the result of the country's referendum, which will see President Erdogan receive sweeping new powers. The protesters banged pots and pans

In the referendum 51 per cent of Turks voted to move from a parliamentary democracy to a presidential system. People marched as they claimed the result was achieved through fraud and intimidation

President Erdogan could stay in power until 2029, thanks to the referendum vote. His new powers will see the role of Prime Minister scrapped and coups will be banned

'The Supreme Electoral Board changed rules mid-game, after the ballot envelopes were opened, in a way contrary to laws,' said Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the main opposition People's Republican Party.

Earlier, the party's vice chairman, Erdal Aksunger, said it would challenge between 37 per cent and 60 per cent of the ballot boxes and accused the state-run Anadolu Agency's election result figures of being inaccurate.

But electoral board head Sadi Guven defended the decision. 'There is no question of changing the rules in the middle of the game,' he said.

On Monday he explained the decision, saying he did not want people who had been given unstamped ballots by mistake to be 'victimised'.

Guven also denied that any of the ballot papers cast without a stamp had been fraudulent or fake.

Speaking to his supporters yesterday, Erdogan said: 'There are those who are belittling the result. They shouldn't try, it will be in vain. It's too late now.'

A pro-Kurdish opposition party that also opposed the constitutional changes said it plans to object to two-thirds of the ballots.

A shocking video shows a group of pro-Erdogan supporters attacking someone who was at the protest. The group chase down the person and kick them to the floor

The people crowd around the helpless person as they beat them relentlessly. The atmosphere shows the tense relationship between the people who voted 'Yes' and 'No' in the referendum

People banged pots and pans in 2013, when large numbers came out to protest against Erdogan. The people at the rally carried bright yellow banners and waved flags

Pictured, a protester in Istanbul holds up a 'No' flag, which reads: 'Don't Obey'. The rally comes as President Erdogan hailed the referendum result a 'historic moment'

Last night protesters raided their kitchen cupboards and banged pots and pans as a symbol of defiance against the result.

51.3 per cent voted for giving Erdogan more power, compared to 48.7 per cent for the 'no' vote, according to state agency Anadolou.

It has also emerged that Turks living abroad in countries such as France, Germany and the Netherlands voted in the majority for Erdogan, pointing toward failed integration with the rest of Europe.

In the Netherlands, almost 70 per cent of Turks approved of granting their President extra powers, against 30 per cent who disagreed, according to official figures.

A spokesman for Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she 'expects that the Turkish government will now seek respectful dialogue with all political and social forces in the country, after this tough election campaign.'

In France, officials warned that any vote on reinstating the death penalty 'would obviously be a break with (European) values and engagements.'

They highlighted Turkey's role on the Council of Europe, the continent's human rights watchdog, as being problematic if the vote goes ahead - but did not immediately say whether the nation would lose its place.

The 18 constitutional amendments that will come into effect after the next election, scheduled for 2019, will abolish the office of the prime minister and hand sweeping executive powers to the president.

Erdogan, who first came to power in 2003 as prime minister, had argued a 'Turkish-style' presidential system would bring stability and prosperity to a country rattled by a failed coup last year that left more than 200 people dead, and a series of devastating attacks by ISIS and Kurdish militants.

The protesters, who banged pots and pans as they took to the street, say that the referendum victory is illegal and claim the result was achieved through fraud and intimidation.

The banging of kitchen pans has a strong importance in Turkish political protests. The equipment was used in 2013, when thousands attended anti-Erdogan protests.

The marches come as a German politician compared the news to the rise of Hitler in 1933. Pictured, 'No' supporters bunch together as they walk down a street in Istanbul

SDP member Axel Schaefer said: 'The Erdogan referendum is leading Turkey into absolutism and the 1933 German parliamentary election led Germany into the abyss.' Pictures, protesters hold a yellow banner together

Germany's foreign minister said on Sunday it was good that the acrimonious Turkish referendum campaign was over and urged people to stay calm with the 'Yes' vote. Pictured, protesters wave 'No' flags against Erdogan

The marches come as a German politician compared the news to the rise of Hitler in 1933.

SDP member Axel Schaefer said: 'The Brexit vote is pushing Britain into the sidelines, the presidential election of Trump is taking the USA on an adventure, the Erdogan referendum is leading Turkey into absolutism and the 1933 German parliamentary election led Germany into the abyss.'

Earlier this evening, Turkish President Erdogan hailed the referendum victory as a 'historic decision' and said he could hold a referendum on reinstating the death penalty.

He said: 'With the people, we have realised the most important reform in our history.

'Turkey for the first time in its history has decided with the will of the parliament and its people on such an important change.

A man makes sounds with ustensils as someone gestures behind him during a protest against the Turkish President after the referendum on Sunday

Supporters of President Erdogan dressed in black and wore masks of his face as they celebrated their referendum victory

Turkish President Erdogan has hailed a 'historic' victory in the referendum and says he wants to reinstate the death penalty. Pictured giving a statement today

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildrim has declared victory in the referendum that will see President Erdogan handed sweeping powers. Binali Yildrim addressed a crowd of 3,000 in Ankara. Pictured after he casted his vote in the referendum today

The president added he was willing to hold another referendum on whether the death penalty should be reinstated. He said: 'If it [a parliament bill] comes in front of me, I will approve it.' Pictured, a supporter of President Erdogan holds flares as he celebrates victory

He said: 'This is a decision made by the people. In our democracy's history, a new page has opened.' Nationalist Action Party head Devlet Bahceli said Turkish voters chose to move from a parliamentary to a presidential system of government of their own free will

'For the first time in the history of the Republic, we are changing our ruling system through civil politics. That is why it is very significant.'

The president added he was willing to hold another referendum on whether the death penalty should be reinstated.

He said in a televised speech in Istanbul: 'If it [a parliament bill] comes in front of me, I will approve it.

'But if there isn't support [from the opposition in parliament]... then what shall we do?

'Then we could have another referendum for that.'

Victory for the 'Yes' campaign was confirmed by the head of Turkey's elections board.

'According to the results, it is the 'Yes' that has emerged' victorious, said Supreme Election Board (YSK) chief Sadi Guven.

He added that final results would be issued in the next 11 days.

A 'Yes' vote will replace Turkey's parliamentary democracy with an all-powerful presidency and may see Erdogan in office until at least 2029.

People who voted 'No' in the referendum took to the streets to protest the result as opposition leaders have said they will contest the result of the vote

Addressing thousands of flag-waving supporters on Sunday night, prime minister Binali Yildirim said the 'unofficial' final result is 'yes' for the constitutional referendum

President Erdogan hailed the result as a 'historic decision'. Supporters of the president took to the streets in Istanbul to celebrate the victory for the 'Yes' campaign

A 'Yes' vote would replace Turkey's parliamentary democracy with an all-powerful presidency and may see Erdogan in office until at least 2029. Pictured, President Erdogan votes on Sunday

What new powers will the president have? The president would have strengthened executive powers to appoint top public officials including ministers directly. He would be able to assign one or several vice presidents. The office and position of prime minister would be scrapped. There would be a shake-up in the judiciary, which Erdogan has accused of being influenced by supporters of his ally-turned-foe, the US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen. The president and parliament would together be able to choose four members of the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors. Parliament will choose seven members on its own in what would be renamed the Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK). Military courts would be banned. Advertisement

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildrim said: 'The presidential system, according to unofficial results, has been confirmed with a 'Yes' vote.'

Speaking to a crowd of 3,000 from the balcony of the headquarters of the Justice and Development Party in Ankara, he said: 'This is a decision made by the people. In our democracy's history, a new page has opened.

'There are no losers in this referendum, the winner is Turkey, the winner is the dear people.'

Turkey's two main opposition parties said they would challenge the referendum result.

He said: 'With the people, we have realised the most important reform in our history.

'Turkey for the first time in its history has decided with the will of the parliament and its people on such an important change.

'For the first time in the history of the Republic, we are changing our ruling system through civil politics. That is why it is very significant.'

Erdogan added the 'Yes' camp had secured 25 million votes in Sunday's referendum, 1.3 million ahead of 'No'.

He also said turnout for the referendum was at 86 per cent.

Nationalist Action Party head Devlet Bahceli said in a statement that Turkish voters chose of their free will to move the country from a parliamentary to a presidential system of government.

Supporters of the 'Yes' vote, celebrate in Istanbul honked car horns and chanted President Erdogan's name

President Erdogan said: 'For the first time in the history of the Republic, we are changing our ruling system through civil politics. That is why it is very significant.' He said voter turnout was at 86 per cent

Pictured, a supporter of the Republican People's Party cries at an election party. Erdogan added the 'Yes' camp had secured 25 million votes in Sunday's referendum, 1.3 million ahead of 'No'

Pictured, supporters of the Republican People's Party watch the polling results in Ankara. The leader of Turkey's main opposition party is raising objections to actions of election board during the referendum

Turkey's two main opposition parties have said they will challenge the referendum result, which would hand President Erdogan sweeping powers. Pictured, a CHP supporter cries as she watches the polling results

Mr Bahceli called the outcome 'a very important success; a win that makes neglect and denial impossible'.

He said Turkey rejected international 'pressure, blackmail, imposition, force and threats by the whole world to put the 'no' choice forward'

He hopes the referendum result will benefit Turkey and support for constitutional change has risen in the south east.

He also said everyone should respect the nation's decision and he is willing to introduce a referendum on whether Turkey should reinstate the death penalty.

Peoples' Democratic Party said that whatever the result, it would challenge two-thirds of the vote. Pictured, supporters of President Erdogan drive through Ankara holding flares

In Turkey's three biggest cities - Istanbul, Izmir and the capital Ankara - the 'No' camp appeared set to prevail narrowly, according to Turkish television stations

Even though victory has been declared for the 'Yes' vote, Turkey's two main opposition parties on Sunday said they would challenge the referendum result.

The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party said that whatever the result, it would challenge two-thirds of the vote, saying: 'There is an indication of a 3-4 percentage point manipulation of the vote.'

The deputy head of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Bulent Tezcan, denounced 'violations' by the election authorities while another CHP deputy head, Erdal Aksunger, said it could appeal up to 60 percent of the vote.

Ahead of the referendum, Tezcan said he would question the legitimacy of the vote if unstamped ballots were used as valid votes.

Yildrim said: 'There are no losers in this referendum, the winner is Turkey, the winner is the dear people.' Pictured at a rally for the 'Yes' campaign ahead of the referendum

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right) casts his vote as his grandson Mehmet Akif, granddaughter Mahinur (back left) and Energy Minister and Erdogan's son-in-law Berat Albayrak (back centre), watch at a polling station in Istanbul

Erdogan called the prime minister and the leader of the nationalist party to congratulate them on the result of Sunday's referendum, presidential sources said

Lemonade seller turned autocrat is worth £100m Rising from humble origins to take the helm of Turkey's government in 2003, Recep Tayyip Erdogan quickly attracted a fervent following. But the 63-year-old, who served as prime minister and then president, also became feared and hated by many who saw him as an increasingly autocratic leader seeking to erode the country's secular traditions by imposing his conservative, religious views. He served three consecutive terms as prime minister as head of his Islamic-rooted Justice and Development Party, before becoming Turkey's first directly elected president in 2014. In that same year, the father-of-four unveiled a new presidential palace on the outskirts of Ankara, reportedly built at a cost of £500million – a far cry from his beginnings selling lemonade and sesame buns to earn money for his family. He is now said to be worth in excess of £100million. After surviving an attempted coup last July, Erdogan launched a wide-ranging crackdown, which saw roughly 100,000 lose their jobs, including lawyers, journalists, police and military officers. More than 40,000 people were jailed. Advertisement

He said: 'We will pursue a legal battle. If the irregularities are not fixed, there will be a serious legitimacy discussion.'

The head of Turkey's electoral board is defending the decision to accept as valid ballots without official stamps.

Turkey's main opposition party chief on Sunday questioned the legitimacy of a referendum after the ruling party claimed victory in the vote on expanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers.

'The Higher Election Board has thrown a dark shadow on the people's decision. They have caused the referendum's legitimacy to be questioned,' the Republican People's Party (CHP) chief Kemal Kilicdaroglu said, criticising the election commission for a last-minute change to the rules for voting.

Meanwhile, in Ankara, supporters of the Turkish national party spilled on to the streets in celebration and waved flags as the 'Yes' vote neared victory.

Convoys of cars honking horns in celebration, with passengers waving flags from the windows, clogged a main avenue in Ankara as they headed towards the AKP's headquarters to celebrate.

A chant of Erdogan's name rang out from loud speakers and campaign buses.

The new constitution states that the next presidential and parliamentary elections are to be held simultaneously on November 3, 2019.

The president would have a maximum of two five-year terms - so Erdogan could stay in power for another two terms until 2029.

The outcome of the referendum will shape Turkey's strained relations with the European Union.

The NATO member state has curbed the flow of migrants - mainly refugees from wars in Syria and Iraq - into the bloc but Erdogan says he may review the deal after the vote.

In Turkey's three biggest cities - Istanbul, Izmir and the capital Ankara - the 'No' camp appeared set to prevail narrowly, according to Turkish television stations.

Before he voted, Erdogan said: 'God willing I believe our people will decide to open the path to much more rapid development'. Pictured, Prime Minister Binali Yildrim at a rally for 'Yes' supporters before the referendum

Thousands came out to celebrate victory for the 'Yes' campaign. Erdogan said the 'Yes' camp had secured 25 million votes in Sunday's referendum, 1.3 million ahead of 'No'

Speaking to reporters in Ankara, Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak said that the 'Yes' camp had not won as many votes as expected, but was still ahead nationwide.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called the prime minister and the leader of the nationalist party to congratulate them on the result of Sunday's referendum, presidential sources said.

He reportedly told Prime Minister Binali Yildirim he was grateful to the nation for showing its will at the polls.

Before he voted, Erdogan said: 'God willing I believe our people will decide to open the path to much more rapid development.

'I believe in my people's democratic common sense.'

The Council of Europe warned Turkey should think carefully about its next steps.

Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland said: 'The Turkish electorate has voted on the amendments to the Constitution.

'In view of the close result the Turkish leadership should consider the next steps carefully .'

The head of Turkey's electoral board is defending the decision to accept as valid ballots without official stamps. Pictured, men holding flags walk down the street in Istanbul

More than 55.3 million Turks were eligible to cast ballots on sweeping changes to the president's role. Erdogan could have more power than any leader since modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

More than 55.3 million Turks were eligible to cast ballots on sweeping changes to the president's role which, if approved, would grant Erdogan more power than any leader since modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and his successor Ismet Inonu.

Voting in Istanbul along with his family, Erdogan predicted that 'our people would walk to the future' by making the right choice.

After a stamina-busting campaign that saw insults flung in both directions, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said: 'Whatever choice comes out on top, our nation will make the most beautiful decision.'

Yildirim was later due to address supporters from the headquarters of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Ankara while Erdogan was due to watch the results in Istanbul.

Voting in Istanbul along with his family, Erdogan predicted that 'our people would walk to the future' by making the right choice. Pictured, women with flags reading 'evet' or 'Yes'

The opposition has cried foul that the referendum has been conducted on unfair terms, with 'Yes' posters ubiquitous on the streets and opposition voices squeezed from the media.

The poll is also taking place under a state of emergency that has seen 47,000 people arrested in an unprecedented crackdown after the failed putsch of July last year.

'We are voting for Turkey's destiny,' said the standard-bearer of the 'No' camp, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

'God willing, the result will be auspicious and we will all have the chance to discuss Turkey's fundamental problems.'

The co-leaders of Turkey's second largest opposition party, the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, have been jailed on charges of links to Kurdish militants in what the party says is a deliberate move to eliminate them from the campaign.

Before he voted, Erdogan said: 'God willing I believe our people will decide to open the path to much more rapid development. If the 'Yes' vote wins, Erdogan will have more power than any leader since Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

The poll is also taking place under a state of emergency that has seen 47,000 people arrested in an unprecedented crackdown after the failed putsch of July last year

Closely watched on Monday will be the initial assessment of the international observer mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

Three people were killed in a shootout in the garden of a school used as a polling station in the southeastern Diyarbakir region, the Dogan news agency said, but it was not clear if the fighting was linked to the election or simply a family feud.

People's Democracy Party (HDP) member of parliament representing Diyarbakir Feleknas Uca, leaves a booth to cast her vote during the referendum on expanding the powers of the Turkish president

If passed, the new presidential system would dispense with the office of prime minister and centralise the entire executive bureaucracy under the president, giving Erdogan the direct power to appoint ministers.

The system would come into force after the elections in November 2019.

Erdogan, who became president in 2014 after serving as premier from 2003, could then seek two more five-year mandates.

Supporters see the new system as an essential modernisation step for Turkey that will remove the risk of the political chaos that blighted the 1990s and is blamed for the 2000-2001 financial crisis.

Erdogan and the AK Party enjoyed a disproportionate share of media coverage in the buildup to the vote, overshadowing the secular main opposition CHP and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu has accused Erdogan of seeking a 'one-man regime', and said the proposed changes would put the country in danger.

Proponents of the reform argue that it would end the current 'two-headed system' in which both the president and parliament are directly elected, a situation they argue could lead to deadlock. Until 2014, presidents were chosen by parliament.

The government says Turkey, faced with conflict to the south in Syria and Iraq, and a security threat from Islamic State and PKK militants, needs strong and clear leadership to combat terrorism.

The package of 18 amendments would abolish the office of prime minister and give the president the authority to draft the budget, declare a state of emergency and issue decrees overseeing ministries without parliamentary approval.

Opponents fear it risks granting Erdogan authoritarian powers and allow him to ride roughshod over key institutions like the judiciary and parliament.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan waves to supporters as he leaves a polling station in Istanbul and his campaigners will be pleased to learn he is ahead in the early figures

In the Kurdish-majority southeastern province of Diyarbakir, self-employed Nihat Aslanbay said he voted against the reforms, and added: 'A one man regime will not bring any benefits to this country.

'I said 'No' because I'm for an egalitarian constitution that also includes the Kurds, and for freedoms.'

But in Istanbul, voter Emrah Yerlinkaya said he voted 'Yes' because he wanted to support Erdogan.

'If we are here today,' he said, 'It is thanks to him. I also voted because I support the constitutional reform.'

A voter carrying a child arrives at a polling station in Diyarbakir, southeastern Turkey, on Sunday, April 16, 2017, where three men were shot dead in a political dispute

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right) and his wife Emine watch as their granddaughter Mahinur casts Emine Erdogan's vote at a polling station in Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu casts his ballot at a polling station in Ankara

Beyond changing the government system, the vote could also have even wider implications for Turkey which joined NATO in 1952 and for the last half-century has set its sights on joining the European Union.

Erdogan has warned Brussels that in the event of a 'Yes' vote he would sign any bill agreed by parliament to reinstate capital punishment, a move that would automatically end its EU bid.

Western reactions to the referendum outcome will be crucial after Erdogan accused Turkey's allies of failing to show sufficient solidarity in the wake of the July 15 failed coup.

Sinan Ekim and Kemal Kirisci of the Brookings Institution think-tank said in a report the changes if agreed 'would set in motion the most drastic shake-up of the country's politics and system of governance in its 94-year-long history'.

After a slew of attacks over the last year blamed on Kurdish militants and jihadists, security is a major concern with 380,000 police on duty nationwide.