Ruling AK Party turns 23: Erdogan celebrates with new allies from opposition
President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends his party's rally organized in Istanbul's Sultanbeyli City Square and delivers a speech, Istanbul, Türkiye, March 29, 2024. (AA Photo)
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), founded on August 14, 2001, under Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, is celebrating its 23rd anniversary with events at its headquarters and across all 81 provinces Wednesday.
Since its founding, the AK Party has consistently been the leading party in Turkish general elections and holds the record for the longest-serving party in power since the start of multi-party politics in 1946.
Founding, early success
Entering Turkish politics as the 39th party, the AK Party was established with Erdogan’s declaration that “nothing in Türkiye will be the same.”
Erdogan was unanimously elected as party leader on August 16, 2001. The party’s political journey includes four prime ministers and two presidents, marked by multiple electoral victories.
Electoral achievements
In the general elections held 15 months after its founding, the AK Party secured 34.28% of the vote, leading the 58th Republic Government under Abdullah Gul, due to Erdogan’s political ban.
The party faced its first significant test in the 2004 local elections, winning 41.7% of the vote and 1950 municipalities.
The AK Party maintained its dominance with 46.58% of the vote in the 2007 general elections and continued to lead in the 2009 local elections. It remains the longest-serving party in power since multi-party politics began in Türkiye.
July 15 coup attempt
On July 15, 2016, Türkiye faced its bloodiest coup attempt by the Gulenist Terror Group (FETO). Citizens, responding to President Erdogan’s call to defend democracy, stood against tanks, thwarting the coup.
Following this event, the AK Party and nationalist Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) formed the People’s Alliance.
On April 16, 2017, the AK Party advanced a major constitutional change via a referendum.
Constitutional amendment
The process began on December 10, 2016, when a proposal signed by 316 AK Party members, including then-Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, was introduced to the Turkish parliament. After approval on February 10, 2017, President Erdogan signed the amendment into law, leading to a public vote.
The referendum resulted in a narrow approval with 51.41% “yes” and 48.59% “no” votes.
The amendment removed the clause requiring the President to sever ties with their party, enabling Erdogan to rejoin the AK Party and transition to the Presidential Government System.
After a 979-day absence following the 2014 Presidential Election, President Erdogan officially rejoined the AK Party, signing his membership declaration and reaffirming his role within the party.
Test for AK Party: March 31
On October 7, 2023, the AK Party held its 4th Extraordinary Grand Congress, re-electing Erdogan as party leader with all 1,399 valid votes. The new Central Decision and Administration Board features 49 new names, and 14 of the 18 members of the Central Executive Board retained their positions.
In the March 31, 2024 local elections, the AK Party won 24 provinces and 357 district municipalities with 35.49% of the vote. President Erdogan emphasized taking necessary steps based on the election results, leading to a renewal process within the party, including changes to provincial and district heads in several regions.
AK Party to announce shifts from opposition parties
The ruling AK Party is reportedly set to showcase new members who have resigned from the opposition Future Party and the Good Party as part of its 23rd-anniversary celebrations, aiming to reinforce its position as the center-right’s leading force and regain moral superiority.
“There will be participation in the AK Party at the level of deputies and mayors,” said AK Party Deputy Chairman Hamza Dag.
Expected new members
- Bilal Bilici, who resigned from the Good Party a year after being elected as an MP for Adana, is expected to join the AK Party.
- Seyithan Izsiz, who left the Good Party and became an independent MP, is also anticipated to join the AK Party on Aug. 14.
- Ahmet Ersagun Yucel, a founding member of the Good Party who resigned on July 22, 2024, is expected to join the AK Party as well.
Future party transitions
Additionally, there are reports of potential shifts from the Future Party to the AK Party. Journalist Ismail Saymaz has indicated that Selim Temurci, Nedim Yamali and Isa Mesih Sahin – all Future Party MPs – might transition to the AK Party during the event.
