AKP issues Hajj warning to MPs: Dates overlap

As the election for the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) approaches, the AKP Group Presidency has issued a warning to MPs preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage, drawing attention to the election calendar.

Because the parliamentary speaker election process cannot be postponed under the Rules of Procedure, MPs have been asked to review their Hajj plans.

The term of TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş expires on June 3, 2025. The election process to determine the new speaker will begin on May 28 and conclude on June 3. However, it is noted that the final flights to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage are scheduled for June 2, with return flights not occurring until after Eid al-Adha, specifically June 11.

This overlap has caused difficulties for MPs planning to visit for Hajj. In accordance with the principle of "absolute participation" in the speaker election, the AKP Group management has requested that MPs postpone their holy visits until after the election.

OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION FROM AKP

According to Gerçek Gündem columnist Ünsal Ergel, the AKP Group Presidency sent a message to the WhatsApp group containing its MPs, requesting a change of plans with the statement: "The parliamentary speaker election cannot be postponed due to the Rules of Procedure. Active participation of all members in the process is mandatory."

HOW WILL THE ELECTION PROCESS WORK?

For the election of the TBMM Speaker, 400 votes (two-thirds of the total number of members) will be required in the first two rounds. If this majority is not achieved in the first two rounds, an absolute majority of 301 votes will be sought in the third round. If that also does not occur, the two candidates who receive the most votes will compete in the fourth round. The candidate who receives the most votes will become the new TBMM Speaker.

News Source: 12punto