Notable comment on Erdoğan's potential re-election bid: 'Turkey cannot exist without elections'

CHP Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Vahap Seçer made notable assessments regarding the 2028 presidential elections in a statement to Hilal Köylü from Serbestiyet. Seçer stated that it is not possible for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to run for office once more according to the constitution.

Sech stated, "According to the constitution, Erdoğan cannot be a candidate anyway. It is also a remote possibility that they will go for a constitutional amendment. Most likely, the decision for an election will come from parliament," he said.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT SEEN AS A REMOTE POSSIBILITY

Reminding that discussions regarding the presidential elections are being evaluated alongside the constitutional amendment efforts carried out in Parliament, Seçer noted that the ruling front could turn to either early elections or constitutional amendment options. However, Seçer emphasized that neither option is easy to implement.

According to current scenarios, for President Erdoğan to be a candidate again, either a constitutional amendment must be made or a decision for early elections must be taken.

"DEM VOTERS WILL NOT SUPPORT THE AK PARTY CANDIDATE"

In his statements, Vahap Seçer also made assessments regarding the stance of DEM Party voters. Seçer said, "I think that DEM Party voters will remain largely loyal to their party in the upcoming elections, but they will not support the AK Party's candidate in the presidential election. Note that I did not say Erdoğan. According to the constitution, Erdoğan cannot be a candidate anyway," he said.

Seçer also stated that DEM voters have learned lessons from past processes, adding, "I do not think that DEM voters can be deceived by the AK Party again. DEM voters are not that lacking in foresight. They are a much more politically competent electorate," he said.

"TURKEY CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT ELECTIONS"

The Mayor of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality also responded to claims frequently voiced on social media that "there will be no more elections." Stating that such rumors do not reflect the truth, Seçer said:

"Turkey cannot exist without elections. Is this a banana republic? This is a constitutional state. Postponing elections and such is not easy."