Turkey's Erdogan to be sworn in as president

Turkish president-elect Tayyip Erdogan (2nd R), his wife Emine Erdogan and his son Bilal Erdogan (2nd L) applaud during the Extraordinary Congress of the ruling AK Party (AKP) in Ankara August 27, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

ANKARA - Recep Tayyip Erdogan is taking the oath of office as Turkey's first popularly elected president, a position that will keep him in the nation's driving seat for at least another five years.

Erdogan is stepping down as prime minister and being installed as president on Thursday in a ceremony to be attended by scores of foreign dignitaries.

He is scheduled to appoint Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, his designated successor, to form a new government later in the day.

Erdogan has indicated he wants to transform the presidency from a largely ceremonial post into a more powerful position.

Erdogan has ruled over Turkey as prime minister since 2003 following three successive electoral victories. He won Turkey's first direct presidential elections on Aug 10.