AKIPRESS.COM - President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated Alexander Vucic on the election as the President of Serbia, the press service of the Turkmen leader said.

"Taking this opportunity, the head of state expressed to the President of Serbia wishes of sound health, happiness and obtaining the great success in the highest political office in the name of progress and prosperity of the friendly country," the statement said.

According to the state election commission's preliminary data, Vucic, 47, won on Sunday with 55.02 percent of votes. Although his new post will be largely ceremonial, he is expected to maintain his grip on power through his Serbian Progressive Party and to continue a balancing act between the West and Russia, an Orthodox Christian and Slavic ally.

Sasa Jankovic, a former human rights advocate, came in second, with only 16.36 percent, while Luka Maksimovic, a student, came in third with 9.43 percent.