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The Turkish ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has responded to claims that the main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), is planning to force early elections by massing its lawmakers' resignations.
According to sources within the AK Party quoted by Türkiye daily, the ruling party described the opposition's potential move as "futile," noting that the governing coalition maintains a parliamentary majority. Despite this dismissal, the sources indicated some flexibility on election timing.
"We maintain that elections will be held in 2028, but we would not object to elections in November 2027," the AK Party sources stated. "If the president's re-candidacy becomes an issue, Parliament would need to make the election decision anyway."
The controversy stems from reports that the CHP plans to trigger by-elections by orchestrating the resignation of 23 of its members of Parliament. Combined with seven currently vacant seats, this would reach the 30-seat threshold required by law to call by-elections.
These reported plans appear to be part of a larger strategy to resolve ongoing controversies surrounding Ekrem Imamoglu, the CHP's presidential candidate and Istanbul's mayor, who is currently detained in Silivri prison.
Journalist Baris Yarkadas recently discussed the potential strategy on television, suggesting that the plan would involve CHP members resigning from districts where the party has strong support. "We might wake up on December 1, 2025, to the news that 30 MPs have resigned," Yarkadas said.
However, he noted significant procedural obstacles, explaining that "MPs cannot resign at will; resignations must be voted on in the general assembly. It would trigger a separate dispute if the ruling coalition doesn't accept these resignations."
According to Türkiye's electoral regulations, parliamentary by-elections can only be held when 30 or more seats become vacant, and the General Assembly must approve any resignations for them to take effect.
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