Turkey's Erdogan sees 'theft' in Istanbul vote results

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday cast doubt on results showing his ruling party's candidate narrowly lost the election for Istanbul mayor, saying there had been "theft at the ballot box".

Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) demanded a recount in Ankara and Istanbul citing irregularities after tallies showed the party was defeated in both cities last week -- in what would be a major setback in a decade and a half in power.

Erdogan's remarks appeared to signal more AKP challenges over Istanbul, the country's economic hub and largest city, echoing commentary in pro-government media last week denouncing a "ballot box putsch" during the March 31 election.

"We are seeing that some organised crimes have been carried out," Erdogan said at a press conference before a trip to Russia, without giving details. "There is an element of robbery in all of this. There was some theft at the ballot box."