Turkey's governing party leader Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan won a seat in a parliamentry by-election today, clearing his way to take over as prime minister.
Mr Erdogan's Justice and Development (AKP) party won 85 per cent of the votes and all three seats in the southeasternSiirt constituency, said governor Mr Nuri Okutan.
Turnout was at 62 per cent, he said.
The result is set to mark the end of a period of uncertain"dual power" in the country.
It may also clear the way for a new parliament vote toapprove Washington's urgent request to deploy up to 62,000troops in the NATO member ahead of a possible invasion of Iraq.
Mr Erdogan steered AKP to a resounding victory in a Novembergeneral election but was excluded from office due to a politicalban for "inciting religious hatred".
Agencies