Reports emerge of 4 lawmakers, 20 mayors joining ruling AK Party
Supporters of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) hold the party's flags Istanbul, Türkiye, March 24, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Reports arise in Turkish political circles about the potential transfer of at least four lawmakers and 20 mayors from opposition parties to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
According to a report by Türkiye daily, these new members are expected to come from the Future, Deva and Good Party.
The announcements may take place during upcoming AK Party group meetings or at the party’s grand congress on Feb. 23.
However, no official confirmation has been provided.
AK Party membership growth amid party congress preparations
The AK Party, which has completed 98% of its district congresses and 80% of its provincial congresses, continues to expand its membership.
The party now boasts over 11.3 million members. AK Party officials confirmed increasing interest in joining the party, stating, “We welcome everyone who wants to have a voice in the Türkiye Century. Our doors are open to anyone who does not oppose Türkiye’s core values.”
Recent transfers to the AK Party have included prominent figures such as Dursun Atas, Seyithan Izsiz, Ersagun Yucel, and Idris Nebi Hatipoglu from the Good Party (IYI), Suat Pamukcu from New Welfare Party (Yeniden Refah), and Nedim Yamali from Future Party (Gelecek), alongside 13 mayors.
List of main political parties in Türkiye with membership figures
- AK Party: 11,135,306 members
- CHP: 1,531,944 members
- New Welfare Party (Yeniden Refah): 622,847 members
- Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): 495,447 members
- Good Party (IYI): 412,744 members
- Democrat Party (Demokrat Parti): 326,054 members
- Felicity Party (Saader): 232,928 members
- Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA): 134,025 members
- Great Union Party (BBP): 111,007 members
- Victory Party (Zafer): 71,732 members
- Future Party (Gelecek): 64,389 members
- Homeland Party (Memleket): 55,554 members
- Workers’ Party of Türkiye (TIP): 44,072 members
- Demokrat Sol Parti (DSP): 24,230 members
- Motherland Party (Anavatan): 23,661 members
- Free Cause Party (HUDA PAR): 14,858 members
- Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party): 14,741
- Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP): 14,539 members
- Patriotic Party (Vatan): 13,323 members
- Communist Party of Türkiye (TKP): 7,208 members
Speculations on future transfers
The rumored transfers, if confirmed, would represent a significant addition to the AK Party’s ranks. Political insiders suggest the potential new members are likely motivated by alignment with the AK Party’s policies and goals.
Speaking to the Türkiye daily, AK Party sources emphasized the party’s inclusive approach: “As the most representative political party in Türkiye, we welcome members from all backgrounds and beliefs, provided they align with Türkiye’s foundational values. The Türkiye Century is open to everyone willing to contribute to our nation’s future.”
