Politics · Turkey · 14 hrs ago
Early election proposal could let Erdoğan seek another term
A senior adviser said Turkey’s 2028 election could be held early, raising the possibility that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could seek another term.
Erdoğan has led Turkey for about 23 years, first as prime minister and then as president since 2014.
The constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms, but it allows another candidacy if parliament renews the election during a president’s second term.
That decision needs 360 votes in the 600-seat parliament, while Erdoğan’s governing alliance has 331 seats.
His alliance would need support from outside its ranks to reach the required threshold.
Erdoğan has not announced a final decision on the election date or whether he will run again.
The proposal comes amid political tensions, including the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in March 2025, a prominent Erdoğan rival; the next step depends on parliamentary support and political negotiations.
A senior adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said elections scheduled for 2028 could be held earlier than expected, potentially allowing Erdoğan to seek another term.
The constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms but allows another candidacy if parliament calls an election during a president’s second term.
That decision requires 360 votes in parliament, while Erdoğan’s ruling party and its allies hold 331 seats.
Erdoğan has not made a final decision about the election date or a possible candidacy.
The proposal comes amid political tensions, including the opposition’s criticism of the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in March 2025.
- Who
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could seek another term; presidential adviser Mehmet Uğum publicly backed the possibility of an earlier election.
- What
- A proposal to hold Turkey’s 2028 election earlier than expected could open a route for Erdoğan to run again.
- When
- Uğum discussed the possibility on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The election is scheduled for 2028, but no new date has been set.
- Where
- Turkey.
- Why
- An earlier election could allow Erdoğan to seek another term under a constitutional exception, if parliament votes to renew the election during his second term.
Turkish government
Turkish opposition
Constitutional process
Turkish government
The government has not announced a final decision on the election date or Erdoğan’s candidacy.
Turkish opposition
Opposition figures say an early election could use a constitutional exception to extend Erdoğan’s time in power.
Judicial independence
Turkish government
The government denies using the judiciary to target its opponents.
Turkish opposition
The opposition has criticized İmamoğlu’s arrest and raised concerns about political pluralism.
A constitutional referendum established the executive presidential system.
Erdoğan was re-elected under the presidential system.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was arrested in a case that drew criticism from the opposition.
Presidential adviser Mehmet Uğum said the 2028 election could take place earlier than expected.
- Election year
- 2028
- Votes required
- 360 of 600 parliament members
- Ruling party and allies
- 331 seats
- Presidential term limit
- Two terms of five years each
- Istanbul mayor arrested
- Ekrem İmamoğlu, March 2025