Is an early election being discussed in AKP circles?

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, who emerged victorious from the March 31 Local Elections, has brought the early election debate back to the agenda.

In a live broadcast he attended, Özel stated, "If it were up to me, let's make the decision tomorrow and hold the election in 2 months, but it is not in my hands. I have no different opinion regarding an early election. If I had 360 deputies, I would do what is necessary."

Following Özel's statements on early elections, all eyes turned to the AKP.

According to a report by the Türkiye newspaper, known for its proximity to the government; AKP sources believe that these messages from Özel are directed at those within his own party who want a call for an 'early election' to be made.

Stating that Özel brought up the election due to pressure, AKP officials commented, "There are those in his party pressuring him, asking 'Why don't you want an early election?' That is why he wants to keep the election on the agenda. In fact, Özel himself knows that the nation does not want an election or anything of the sort. The country has become 'election-weary' due to consecutive elections. In the research conducted, we see that more than 60 percent of voters do not want an election."

Expressing that a positive response to Özel's call for an election will not come from the DEVA, Saadet, or Gelecek parties, AKP officials assessed, "Because the vote percentages of these parties are clear; if an election were held, they have no chance of passing the threshold. For this reason, deputies belonging to these parties do not want to give up the opportunities they have."

"WE ARE FOCUSED ON THE ECONOMY"

AKP sources said, "Right now, we are focused on the economy, we are focused on meeting the expectations of the citizens. We are working to get the economy on track. When the time and place come, an evaluation will be made regarding the election date. But we will not discuss the 2026 date proposed by Özel under any circumstances. However, an evaluation regarding the renewal of elections can be made starting from the beginning of 2027. The elections, which are normally scheduled for May 2028, could be moved forward by one year or six months."

Reminding that for AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to run for a third term, the decision to renew elections must be taken by Parliament with a qualified majority (360), AKP officials said, "These issues are not on our agenda in any way yet. It is neither the time nor the place. When we reach 2027, will it be done by a parliamentary decision, or will the President make the decision? Only then will it be discussed. All the discussions being held right now are hollow."