Merkel and Gabriel say respect right of Turks to decide on constitution

Merkel said both Germany and the European Union will be seeking guidance from Erdogan on the consequences of the vote while calling on the Turkish leader to act with "responsibility".

He has warned opponents not to "belittle" his narrow victory, but the main opposition party has demanded the result be cancelled because the referendum was won through "illegal acts". "However the vote of the Turkish people turns out in the end, we'd be well advised to keep calm and to proceed in a level-headed way", said Sigmar Gabriel, the German foreign minister, in a statement.

The margin fell short of the sweeping victory the 63-year-old Erdogan had sought in the referendum. Nevertheless, it could cement his hold on power in Turkey for a decade and is expected to have a huge effect on the country's long-term political future and its worldwide relations. The amendments to the constitution are likely to allow Erdogan to hold the office for two more terms until 2029.

The worldwide monitors a partnership of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council for Europe - will deliver their final report in eight weeks. But will this be enough to stop Erdogan from being given authority to override parliament and enact laws simply by decree?

"There are those who are belittling the result". The board said the ballot papers would be considered invalid only if it was proven they were fraudulently cast. "It's too late now".

Amid swarms of controversy from both opposition parties and worldwide observers alike, Erdogan joyfully claimed victory in the referendum that will change the entire system of government in Turkey for the foreseeable future.

The yes vote will also mean Erdogan can abolish the post of prime minister - a role he had in 2003.

"We are awaiting the assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR International Observation Mission, also with regard to alleged irregularities", it added. The nine-month state of emergency in Turkey is set to extend following the referendum win.

Initial reaction from overseas was cautious. Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said the referendum results were a "clear signal" against the EU. The AP reports that supporters of the "yes" vote have dominated the airwaves, while supporters of the "no" vote have complained of intimidation. The ballots themselves did not include the referendum question - it was assumed to be understood. "I am against one-man rule and dictators", explained another No voter.

Overnight sporadic protests by disgruntled "No" voters erupted in parts of Istanbul, with demonstrators banging pots and pans to voice their discontent. One of the world's largest intergovernmental organisations- Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) - has come out strongly against the manner in which the election was conducted.