Newsletters
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) determined a roadmap for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to potentially run for a third presidential term, focusing on parliamentary procedures rather than constitutional amendments, according to Türkiye daily.
AK Party officials expressed a reaction to the opposition's evaluation of new constitution discussions primarily through the lens of Erdogan's potential re-candidacy, emphasizing the president's statement that "Our purpose with the new constitution is not to create space for ourselves."
If Erdogan is to run for a third time, AK Party leadership aims to achieve this through Parliament's decision to call elections rather than pursuing constitutional changes, party sources told Türkiye daily.
According to the Turkish constitution, there are two ways for President Erdogan to run for a third term:
AK Party officials consider obtaining an election decision from Parliament to be more reasonable than changing the constitution for Erdogan's potential third candidacy.
To secure an election decision from Parliament, a three-fifths majority of the total membership (360 members of Parliament) is required.
Under current constitutional provisions, both the president and the Turkish Parliament can call for elections. If Parliament decides on election renewal in 2028, Erdogan could run for president once more. However, if the president calls for an election renewal, Erdogan would not have the right to run for a third term.
Given the current seat distribution, the People's Alliance does not have the necessary three-fifths majority to secure an election renewal decision under present conditions.
However, AK Party believes that no party will be able to avoid elections when the issue comes to the agenda. The party also indicates that the election decision could be achieved with support from the Kurdish-oriented Peoples' Equality & Democracy Party (DEM Party) if the ongoing "Terror-free Türkiye" process with that party succeeds.
AK Party officials also emphasize that Erdogan's statement, "I have no concern about being re-elected or running again," does not mean he will not run for office again. Party sources note that the timeline for candidacy discussions is still early, indicating these discussions could begin in 2027.
28th term deputy seat distribution
Erdogan first became president in 2014 through the first direct popular vote for the presidency. The Presidential Government System was adopted in 2017, fundamentally changing Türkiye's governmental structure.
He was elected president in elections held on June 24, 2018, and May 28, 2023, under the new presidential system. According to the constitution, Erdogan will complete his two-term limit in the new system in 2028.
3 min read
1 min read
