Ruling coalition partner sets date for presidential election: 2 options for Erdoğan's candidacy!

ANKARA – Mustafa Destici, Chairman of the Great Unity Party (BBP), one of the key partners of the People's Alliance, answered journalists' questions at an iftar program held in the capital. Mustafa Destici's statements provided important clues regarding both the “Terror-Free Turkey” process and the potential election date and alliance processes.

TWO OPTIONS FOR ERDOĞAN'S RE-CANDIDACY

Mustafa Destici summarized the current legal framework and possible scenarios for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to be a candidate once more as follows: Stating that the Parliament must either decide on an early election or a constitutional amendment must be made, Destici said, “We want our President to be a candidate again and we are waiting for a process that will pave the way for this. However, I do not think a constitutional amendment is easy. If the Parliament decides on an early election, our President can be a candidate. The calendar regarding the election will be shaped according to the Parliament's decision.”

Stating that elections are not expected in 2026, Destici said regarding a potential election calendar, “In my opinion, the election will be at the end of 2027 or the beginning of 2028. It is even possible for the election decision to be taken in February 2028; the normal date is the end of May 2028,” he stated.

“EARLY ELECTION IS NOT NECESSARY”

Giving a clear answer to questions about an early election, the BBP leader stated, “No, we do not find it appropriate to have an early election.”

“WE ARE DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF RETIREES”

Speaking about economy and social policies, Destici conveyed the communication within the People's Alliance. Stating that his meetings with the Minister of Treasury and Finance are ongoing, the Chairman said, “There are justified demands regarding retirees. We are not just an election party; as required by our mission, we are voicing the grievances that are seen directly and clearly.”

Emphasizing that the AK Party approaches these criticisms constructively, Destici stated that they will continue to tell the truth as a party.

2 MILLION VOTE TARGET

The target is growing in BBP's election strategy. Reminding that they received 550 thousand votes in the last elections, Destici stated, “Our party's minimum target is 2 million votes. In the public opinion polls conducted, we currently appear to be over 3 percent.” He emphasized that they will continue to remain in the People's Alliance, but that the search for different alliances in politics is natural.

FREQUENTLY CRITICIZED THE 'TERROR-FREE TURKEY' PROCESS

Mustafa Destici is also known for the criticisms he has made in the past and recently regarding the counter-terrorism process. Arguing that the process should be closed and summarizing his position with the words “I see that our people want the fight against terrorism, they do not want negotiations,” Destici underlined that they are closed to negotiations or searches for different statuses.

Reacting harshly to MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's “status” debate regarding PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, Destici used the expression, “Abdullah Öcalan's status is this: Öcalan is a terrorist who is responsible for over 40 thousand murders, with the support of intelligence agencies that want to divide Turkey.”

The BBP leader's move will continue to be watched closely in terms of the People's Alliance and the political agenda in the coming period.