Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was jubilant on Sunday night as intial results showed that his People’s Alliance was “well ahead” in the parliamentary and presidential elections, though final results have yet to be announced.

“Our country has completed another festival of democracy with the May 14 elections. Although the exact results are not clear yet, we are well ahead,” Erdogan said in an address to the nation from the balcony of his Justice and Development (AK) Party’s headquarters in the capital Ankara.

Addressing his supporters after midnight at the AK Party headquarters in the capital Ankara, Erdoğan said they were waiting for the “outcome of the national will,” but they had a “clear lead, though unofficial results have been announced.”

Erdoğan had secured 49% of the vote as he spoke according to the initial unofficial results.

“Türkiye has proven once again that it is among the world’s leading democracies with its commitment to superiority of national will, freedom of its citizens in their political choices,” he added.

The Turkish president said he believed that he will be winning the election.

“Some people are in the kitchen and here we are, on the balcony,” Erdoğan told the vibrant crowd.

A “Balcony speech” is a tradition of Turkish politicians emerging victorious in the elections.

“Our country wrapped up another festival of democracy. It seems like the count of votes across the country and abroad will take a little more time,” he said.

“We are unlike those trying to deceive people. We know we have a clear lead but we await the manifestation of national will since official results are not clear yet,” Erdoğan added.

The president thanked “brothers and sisters” who voted for the People’s Alliance.

“The winner is, undoubtedly, our country, our nation. Türkiye once again proved it is among the world’s leading democracies thanks to its adherence to the supremacy of national will. We proved it through a record turnout. It is unique in the world. This is the highest turnout in our history,” he highlighted.

He said statements of CHP administrators and “some mayors” did not change this fact. “In our political life, we have always respected the national will and we will do so in future elections too. The People’s Alliance knows what to do, and we expect the same democratic maturity from others,” he said.