The next presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey are proposed to be held on April 16, 2028. If this scenario materializes, a legal opportunity may arise for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to run for president again and for the last time.
Modern.az reports that this proposal was made by Mehmet Uçum, Chief Advisor to the President of Turkey and Deputy Chairman of the Legal Policy Council of the Presidential Administration.
Uçum stated that according to the current legislation, the normal date for the next presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey is May 7, 2028. However, if the Grand National Assembly of Turkey decides to renew the elections, the vote can be moved a few weeks earlier – to April 16, 2028.
According to him, for this, the parliament must adopt a relevant decision on the renewal of elections in February 2028.
This step can also create a legal opportunity for Erdoğan's re-candidacy. According to Article 116 of the Turkish Constitution, if the parliament decides to renew the elections during the president's second term, the current president can be a candidate one more time.
Mehmet Uçum, based on this provision, stated that Erdoğan can be a candidate for the last time in 2028. According to him, there is no need to amend the Constitution for this; the parliament's decision to renew the elections is sufficient.
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli also commented on the proposed date of April 16, 2028. He said that there is no significant time difference between the normal time of the elections and the proposed date and emphasized that they stand by Erdoğan.
It should be noted that April 16 holds symbolic importance in Turkish politics. Constitutional amendments providing for the transition to a presidential system of government in the country were adopted with a referendum held on April 16, 2017.
However, April 16, 2028, is not currently an officially confirmed election date. It is reported that the final decision will depend on the decision of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey regarding the renewal of elections.
