Backstage buzz: AKP's plan for Erdoğan's re-election bid revealed
Despite President Erdoğan's statement that he would "use his 5-year mandate," a remark by AKP member Şamil Tayyar suggesting that "a new constitution referendum could be held in the autumn of 2026" has reignited discussions about early elections in politics.
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While the opposition frequently calls for early elections, the ruling front keeps its doors closed to these calls. Most recently, AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that he would use his 5-year mandate. However, the statement by former AKP deputy Şamil Tayyar that "a new constitution referendum could be held in the autumn of 2026, which would pave the way for an early election in the autumn of 2027," has once again stirred up the Ankara backstage.
ERDOĞAN’S CANDIDACY DEPENDS ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
The provision in Article 101 of the current Constitution, which states that "a person can be elected president at most twice," prevents Erdoğan from running again under current conditions. However, in the event of a possible referendum to amend the article or a decision to hold early elections, the path for Erdoğan's re-election could be opened.
REFERENDUM RESULT COULD DETERMINE ELECTION CALENDAR
According to backstage information reported by Cumhuriyet, it is believed within the AKP that the "success of the new constitution process" will have a direct impact on the election calendar. Party officials state that if a strong "yes" result emerges from the referendum, the ruling party will regain its moral superiority, and with this momentum, the possibility of an early election could come to the agenda.
“WAITING UNTIL 2028 WOULD CREATE FATIGUE”
Some figures within the party argue that postponing the elections until 2028 would create "fatigue." According to this view, going to an early election in 2027, along with "the recovery of economic balances and the momentum that the constitutional amendment will create," could be a strategic step for the party.
“A BALLOT BOX IN 2027 WOULD NOT BE A SURPRISE” SAY BACKSTAGE SOURCES
According to information from AKP backstage, the prevailing thought in the party is summarized as follows: "If there is a referendum in 2026, a ballot box in 2027 would not be a surprise." This assessment shows that one of the hottest topics in politics in the coming period will be shaped around the axis of "early elections and a new constitution."