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Turkey holds new presidency vote Turkey vote goes to second round
(about 1 hour later)
Voting is taking place in the newly-elected Turkish parliament to choose the country's next president. The frontrunner for Turkey's presidency Abdullah Gul has failed to secure a two-thirds majority in a first round of voting in the Turkish parliament.
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is running again, months after his first attempt was blocked amid claims that he was a threat to the secular system. Mr Gul - a devout Muslim who is foreign minister - is expected to win in a further round next week.
The crisis forced an election that Mr Gul's AK Party won with a landslide. His candidacy has been fiercely resisted by secularists - including army generals and opposition leaders.
Mr Gul is being challenged by nationalist and left-wing candidates, but is widely expected to win in the third round next week. Mr Gul's presidential bid forced a general election which his AK Party won by a landslide last month.
Mr Gul, who once belonged to an Islamist party, has vowed to remain loyal to the country's secular constitution if elected. He has vowed to remain loyal to the country's secular constitution if elected.
In April, the main opposition party boycotted the presidential vote, labelling Mr Gul a threat to the secular system. In April, the main opposition party boycotted the initial presidential vote, labelling Mr Gul a threat to the secular system.
PRESIDENTIAL VOTE President chosen by 550 MPsTwo-thirds majority (367) needed to win in first or second roundSimple majority (276) needed if the contest reaches later rounds Q&A: Presidency battle Profile: Abdullah Gul Send us your commentsPRESIDENTIAL VOTE President chosen by 550 MPsTwo-thirds majority (367) needed to win in first or second roundSimple majority (276) needed if the contest reaches later rounds Q&A: Presidency battle Profile: Abdullah Gul Send us your comments
Protesters took to the streets in protest at Mr Gul's candidacy and the military warned it was ready to step in.Protesters took to the streets in protest at Mr Gul's candidacy and the military warned it was ready to step in.
But since then, the AK Party has been returned to parliament with 46% of the vote.But since then, the AK Party has been returned to parliament with 46% of the vote.
Mr Gul says that is proof that most Turks do not believe he has an Islamic agenda.Mr Gul says that is proof that most Turks do not believe he has an Islamic agenda.
In the third round of voting on 28 August a candidate only needs to secure a simple majority of votes - which the AKP has - but that could herald tense times ahead, reports the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Istanbul.In the third round of voting on 28 August a candidate only needs to secure a simple majority of votes - which the AKP has - but that could herald tense times ahead, reports the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Istanbul.
The military will be watching for his slightest slip, and there is already furious debate because Mr Gul's wife wears the Islamic headscarf.The military will be watching for his slightest slip, and there is already furious debate because Mr Gul's wife wears the Islamic headscarf.
It is seen by some as a symbol of political Islam and is banned in all state institutions, including the presidential palace.It is seen by some as a symbol of political Islam and is banned in all state institutions, including the presidential palace.