JACKI LYDEN, host: When President Obama ends his trip in Turkey, he'll be greeted by a prime minister fresh from what's looking like an election victory.</s>JACKI LYDEN, host: Today's local elections were something of a referendum on Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, especially his economic policies. Like the rest of the world, Turkey is dealing with a slumping economy and surging unemployment.</s>JACKI LYDEN, host: The election sparked some violence in the Kurdish area of southeast Turkey. At least six people were killed and nearly 100 were hurt during clashes between rival supporters for village chief posts.</s>JACKI LYDEN, host: Returns have just started coming in,  but Erdogan's party seems headed for a clear victory. He plans to spend his new political capital by continuing to push for economic reforms and for Turkey's admission into the European Union.
Local elections Sunday in Turkey appear to deliver a victory to the party of Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan. Jacki Lyden has the latest.