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Turkish main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel on Friday renewed his call for early elections, arguing that the ballot box should be brought before the public as soon as possible.
Speaking during an inauguration event in the western province of Izmir, Ozel challenged the government and said he would not remain in office “for even one more minute” if he were to lose an election.
“Let’s put out the ballot box and see what the nation says. Come on, whether at the end of this June or the beginning of September, put an early election ballot before the people. Let the nation see whether they believe you or us,” Ozel said.
“If I lose an election, I would not stay for even one more minute. I say this with such great self-confidence. Don’t be afraid, come face us. If you trust this nation, come face us," he added.
Türkiye’s next presidential and parliamentary elections are officially scheduled for 2028 under the current electoral calendar.
However, opposition parties have repeatedly pushed for an earlier vote amid growing political tensions, economic difficulties and a series of legal investigations targeting opposition-run municipalities.
The ruling government has consistently rejected calls for early elections.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly said elections will take place as scheduled in 2028, a position also strongly supported by his ally Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).
Under Türkiye’s constitution, parliament can decide to renew elections with the support of at least 360 lawmakers in the 600-seat assembly. The ruling People’s Alliance currently holds a parliamentary majority through Erdogan’s AK Party, which has 275 seats, and Bahceli’s MHP, which holds 46 seats, while the CHP has 138 lawmakers in parliament.
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