Global
A prominent advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated the president will seek a new term in early presidential elections, likely to occur in April 2028. This proposal, preceding the constitutional election date of May that year, was reported by media outlets on Thursday. Detailing the statement, private channel NTV and Cumhuriyet newspaper quoted advisor Mehmet Ocüm: "If 360 deputies support the decision to call for new elections, they will be held on April 16, 2028." The Turkish Constitution empowers parliament to call for early elections if 360 out of 600 deputies approve, thereby paving the way for Erdogan's re-election bid. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its nationalist ally, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), currently control 326 seats in parliament. Conversely, the government has repeatedly affirmed elections will proceed on their scheduled date. Historically, Erdogan became prime minister in 2003 and was elected president in 2014 after three terms as head of government. Following Turkey's transition to a presidential system, he was re-elected in 2018 and again in 2023.
