We will secure over 50% of vote in 2028: President Erdogan

During a speech in Van on Saturday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan outlined the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AK Party) goals for future elections, stating that the People’s Alliance aims to win the 2028 general and parliamentary elections with a much higher vote share than 50%.

Erdogan also emphasized that preparations for the 2029 local elections would focus on ensuring that the AK Party and the People’s Alliance wave the flag of successful governance in at least two-thirds of the country’s cities, provinces, and districts.

President Erdogan’s remarks were made during his visit to Van for the eighth Ordinary Provincial Congress of the AK Party.

In his speech, Erdogan also extended his thanks to those transitioning in and out of leadership roles within the party, saying, “Remember, there is no such thing as being excluded, sidelined, retired, or retreating in this organization. Everyone who has passed through this organization, as long as their health and life allow, is a representative of the AK Party wherever they live—be it in their neighborhood, district, or region.”

‘We will win the elections with a vote above 50%’

The president’s speech took a more detailed turn when he touched on the upcoming elections. Quoting a part of Necip Fazil Kisakurek’s “Sakarya Poem”, Erdogan emphasized that the party’s efforts are about serving the people, not just winning elections.

“In our race for achievements and services, we consider our friends as companions in both this world and the next. We will carry out our work in Van by winning hearts, conquering minds, and speaking to the soul of the people,” Erdogan stated.

He continued: “Especially, I want to thank the ‘AK Women’. As we have done so far, we will continue to embrace all of Türkiye—whether Turkish, Kurdish, Zaza, Alevi or Sunni. We will not give any room to ethnic discrimination, prejudice, or any form of division, and we will not allow our nation to be polarized.”

He stressed the importance of unity and claimed that the AK Party would not make excuses or blame others for shortcomings.

“Our goal is to ensure that our party’s vote does not drop below 50%. Our goal is to win every election in all 81 provinces,” Erdogan affirmed. “Our goal is to find a way to win the hearts of all 85 million people of Türkiye.”

‘We must reflect on our results’

Erdogan underscored the need for reflection following the AK Party’s poor performance in the 2024 local elections, stating that the party must learn from the past and avoid making mistakes again in future elections.

“If we do not question how we went from 18 big cities, 30 provinces, and 592 districts in 2014 to 15 cities, 24 provinces, and 535 districts in 2019, and then to 12 cities, 12 provinces, and 356 districts in 2024, we may face even bigger challenges in the next election.”

He also noted that the AK Party’s congresses are not merely about leadership changes but are critical moments for energy renewal, enthusiasm, and setting the course for future elections.

“Our goal is to win the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections with a vote well above 50% under the People’s Alliance. Then, in the 2029 elections, we will make sure that the flag of AK Party and the People’s Alliance’s works will fly in at least two-thirds of our cities, provinces, and districts,” he added.

In conclusion, President Erdogan emphasized that these efforts are all part of building Türkiye’s Century vision.

“With these preparations, we will overcome a critical milestone in constructing the Turkey of the future, leaving behind a prosperous, strong, and happy nation for our children,” he stated.