ISTANBUL, June 24 -- The opposition Republican People's Party candidate Ekrem Inanoglu won the re-run of Istanbul's mayoral election serving the biggest electoral blow to the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Imamoglu had won 54 percent of votes with almost all of the ballot boxes opened on Sunday, with the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) candidate trailing on 45 percent and conceding defeat.

After the victory the CHP's Imamoglu promised a "new beginning" for Turkey's largest city and commercial hub.

Addressing supporters he praised them for what he said protecting the reputation of democracy in Turkey.

His opponent, former Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, conceded defeat after initial results showed he ...