Ruling AK Party preps for 2028 elections with campaign targeting Turks abroad
President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan at his party's congress in Ankara, Türkiye, March 24, 2024. (AA Photo)
In Türkiye, the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has been advocating for early elections. However, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has firmly rejected these calls, asserting that early elections are not under consideration. The AK Party has emphasized that the next scheduled elections will occur in 2028.
Amid these discussions, the AK Party has made an interesting move. While the early election debates continue, the AK Party has already started preparations for the 2028 elections.
First stop: Turks living in foreign countries
Under directives from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the AK Party’s Foreign Relations Directorate has launched a campaign to prepare for the 2028 elections, targeting expatriates arriving in Türkiye.
Brochures outlining the party’s achievements for Turks abroad over the past 23 years have been distributed at border crossings.
These brochures cover significant advancements, including expanded voting opportunities, enhanced e-government services, and improved consular procedures.
Key highlights include the increase in foreign missions from 163 in 2002 to 260, the introduction of e-consulate services, mobile consulate units, and a 24/7 multilingual consulate call center.
Additionally, the brochures emphasize the election of expatriate representatives to the Turkish Parliament.
The brochures also detail the work of institutions such as the Yunus Emre Institute, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, the Turkish Maarif Foundation, and the Parliamentary Committee on Turkish Citizens Abroad and Related Communities. These organizations aim to support Turkish citizens living abroad.
Notable achievements cited include the establishment of 692 ballot boxes in 73 countries during the 2023 elections, achieving a global voter turnout of 56.3%.
Meanwhile, the AK Party has increased the number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries for Turkish passport holders from 42 to 118.
