Updated

In his first televised appearance since his ruling party lost its parliamentary majority, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has asked all Turkish political parties to put aside their differences and rapidly form a new government.

Erdogan had campaigned voraciously in a bid to win a supermajority for the ruling party, which would have enabled it to change the constitution and usher in a presidential system allowing him to control government affairs. The party is now forced to seek a coalition partnership.

Erdogan said: "Those who leave Turkey without a government will not be able to account for it. Everyone should leave their egos behind."

Attending a graduation ceremony for foreign students on Wednesday, Erdogan also took a swipe at the West, accusing it of ignoring the plight of thousands of refugees.