Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could seek another term if parliament calls an early election in April 2028, one of his top advisers said Thursday, offering the clearest indication yet that the government could consider moving up the vote.
“If 360 lawmakers back a decision to call a new election, it will be held on April 16, 2028,” Mehmet Uçum said in remarks cited by Turkish media.
Turkey’s election is currently scheduled for May 2028. Under the constitution, parliament can call an early election with the support of 360 of its 600 lawmakers, potentially clearing the way for Erdoğan to run again. His ruling AKP and nationalist ally MHP hold 326 seats.
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Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at the NATO summit in Ankara, July. Credit: Riza Ozel/AP
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at the NATO summit in Ankara, July. Credit: Riza Ozel/AP
The government has repeatedly insisted that elections will be held as scheduled. But Erdoğan hinted at an early vote last weekend, referring to the “upcoming elections.” A spokesperson for AKP rejected the interpretation, saying, “It was not a signal of an early election. There is no election on our agenda.”
Erdoğan, 72, became prime minister in 2003 and was elected president in 2014. After Turkey adopted an executive presidential system, he was reelected in 2018 and 2023. His 2023 reelection, he said, would be his final term, but the constitution allows another run if parliament calls an early election.
The opposition has repeatedly demanded an early vote since Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, regarded as Erdoğan’s main rival, was jailed in March 2025 – the same day the CHP nominated him as its 2028 presidential candidate – over a graft case critics called politically motivated.
The development comes amid a broader crackdown on civil society. Turkish authorities this week detained more than 100 people in raids and protests targeting LGBTQ+ activists, journalists and demonstrators, according to rights groups and local reports.
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People argue with riot police during a protest against the detention of 16 people pending trial following sweeping government raids on LGBTQ+ associations, in Izmir, Turkey, on Monday. Credit: Ali Dinc/REUTERS
People argue with riot police during a protest against the detention of 16 people pending trial following sweeping government raids on LGBTQ+ associations, in Izmir, Turkey, on Monday. Credit: Ali Dinc/REUTERS