Change at the Constitutional Court: Election to be held tomorrow

The Constitutional Court (AYM) is preparing for a leadership change as the term of President Zühtü Arslan, whose tenure is limited to 12 years under current regulations, will expire on April 20, 2024. 

In accordance with the High Court's internal regulations, the process for the presidential election began on February 20, 2024, two months before the expiration of Arslan's term. The presidential election for the High Court will take place tomorrow.

HOW THE ELECTION PROCESS WILL PROCEED

Arslan, who is responsible for election procedures, cannot be a candidate in this election but will retain the right to vote. In the election to be held tomorrow in the General Assembly, the candidate who secures an absolute majority by receiving the votes of at least 8 out of 15 members will assume the role of AYM President for a 4-year term. If none of the candidates reach the required majority in the elections, a new vote will be held on a date to be determined by the President.

There is no formal application process for the AYM presidency. Any member can declare their candidacy during the election, and members can also vote for a colleague whose name was not previously mentioned.

According to information obtained from AYM sources, the names of members Yusuf Şevki Hakyemez, Yıldız Seferinoğlu, and İrfan Fidan are being mentioned as potential candidates for the presidency.

Arslan was first elected President of the Constitutional Court on February 10, 2015, while continuing his tenure as an AYM member, which began on April 20, 2012.

Following the expiration of his term, Arslan was re-elected president for a second time after receiving an absolute majority of votes in the election on January 25, 2019, and most recently became AYM president for a third time on February 2, 2023, after receiving 8 out of 15 votes in the election held at the AYM General Assembly.