President Erdogan’s third-term debate heats up as early elections emerge as possibility

The debate over whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan can run for a third term has gained momentum, following a proposal by the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli.

While ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) officials argue that a constitutional amendment would be difficult, they suggest that a parliamentary decision to call early elections could be a more viable option.

The issue of Erdogan’s potential third-term candidacy has become a topic of internal discussion within the AK Party, particularly after opposition calls for early elections and Bahceli’s proposal to lift the constitutional limits on presidential terms.

While no formal discussion has taken place with Erdogan directly involved, party officials and lawmakers have voiced their opinions on Bahceli’s suggestion.

Constitutional amendment or parliamentary decision

AK Party officials clarified that there are two paths for Erdogan to run for a third term: through a constitutional amendment or by parliament calling for early elections.

However, they note that securing enough votes for a constitutional amendment is unlikely. A parliamentary decision to call early elections, though needing opposition support, is seen as a more achievable route.

“Constitutional amendments are difficult because of the lack of votes, but a decision by parliament to hold elections could be a more feasible path,” one AK Party official stated.

“The opposition will likely not want to appear as though they are avoiding elections,” the official added.

Despite this, it was emphasized that an early election is not expected before 2028, but discussions about a parliamentary decision could begin as early as 2027.

Erdogan’s clear stance

In response to Bahceli’s proposal, Erdogan thanked him, stating, “As long as Allah grants me life and the nation approves, we will continue serving Turkiye.”

This statement is seen as his most explicit indication that he intends to seek a third term.

Until now, Erdogan had refrained from making a clear statement about his candidacy for a third term, but his recent remarks suggest a stronger intention to pursue it.