Ruling AK Party reportedly considering November 2027 for early presidential elections

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is reportedly considering Nov. 7, 2027, as the date for Türkiye’s next presidential election.

According to political sources speaking to the Türkiye daily, AK Party is continuing efforts to secure parliamentary support to call for early elections, which would enable President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to run for another term.

AK Party seeks 360 Parliamentary votes for early election decision

AK Party, having completed its congress process, is focusing on ensuring Erdogan’s eligibility for reelection.

Reports indicate that the party is seeking to increase its parliamentary majority to 360 seats, the number required for the Turkish Parliament to call an early election.

Currently, the ruling People’s Alliance—which includes the AK Party, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the Free Cause Party (HUDA-PAR), and the Democratic Left Party (DSP)—holds 324 seats in Parliament. Should the New Welfare Party (YRP) extend its support, the count would rise to 328.

However, this remains short of the required threshold, prompting speculation that the AK Party will continue seeking additional parliamentary defections from opposition parties such as Future Party (GP), Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA Party), and Good Party (Iyi Parti).

November 2027 election date gains traction

AK Party sources suggest that rather than holding an early election in response to opposition demands, the party is considering a vote in the fall of 2027, with Nov. 7 emerging as a likely date.

Party officials argue that such a timeline allows for sufficient preparations while dismissing opposition claims that the government is avoiding an election.

“The opposition may refuse to support an early election decision, but when the time comes, no party will be able to avoid elections,” sources within the AK Party reportedly stated. “The most logical timeline for elections would be the fall of 2027.”

Legislative and policy priorities

As the AK Party works to secure a parliamentary majority for an election decision, the party is also focusing on legislative and policy reforms under five main themes:

• Economic transformation
• Green and digital transition
• Social policies
• Judicial and fundamental rights
• Political and administrative regulations

Additionally, the AK Party has emphasized its commitment to its long-standing “Terror-Free Türkiye” strategy, aligning these efforts with its broader policy objectives.

Focus on Erdogan’s candidacy

The primary goal of the AK Party‘s parliamentary maneuvering is to facilitate Erdogan’s candidacy.

Party insiders indicate that while a constitutional amendment to extend term limits would be challenging, securing an early election through a parliamentary vote is seen as the most viable option.

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli has consistently voiced his support for Erdogan’s reelection, and AK Party officials have echoed similar sentiments, stating that the public strongly favors his continued leadership.

“People clearly want Erdogan to run again. We see this in the field,” AK Party sources said. “There is no hesitation within the party regarding his candidacy. When the time comes, we will take the necessary steps to remove any legal barriers.”