Despite trailing behind his challenger in the polls, Erdogan went on to secure more than half of the votes cast, with his opponent trailing by around four points.

Erdogan has spent two decades consolidating his power in Turkey and the media is mostly state-controlled, with international observers criticizing the use of state resources to influence the election.

Erdogan has faced criticism for his crackdown on dissent, jailing of opposition politicians and journalists, and heavy-handed approach to media coverage during the campaign.

Erdogan's re-election comes in the midst of a struggling economy and accusations that his government was slow to respond to a natural disaster.

Despite this, Erdogan's supporters remain loyal and many credit him for the country's strong economy.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, has won the parliamentary elections with his AK Party gaining 266 seats and a coalition of 321 seats.

Erdogan's victory is expected to see his leadership take a more autocratic direction, with criticism towards the foreign media and nations critical of his leadership.

Erdogan's influence in international affairs has been significant, including his ability to talk to leaders of different countries, and his visit to African countries more than any other non-African leader.

The West is likely to be disappointed with Erdogan's electoral success, as he has once again proved his critics wrong by outmaneuvering his toughest challengers and maintaining his grip on power.