Erdogan's Advisor Confirms Re-election Bid in Early 2028 Polls

A prominent advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan revealed the president's intention to seek a new term in early elections, likely in April 2028, media reported Thursday. This would advance the constitutionally scheduled date in May of that year. Private channel NTV and Cumhuriyet newspaper quoted advisor Mehmet Uçum, stating elections would occur on April 16, 2028, if 360 deputies support a call for new elections. Turkey's constitution allows parliament to initiate snap elections with 360 out of 600 deputies' approval, opening the path for Erdoğan's re-candidacy. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its ally, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), currently hold 326 parliamentary seats. The government had previously affirmed elections would proceed on schedule. Erdoğan became Prime Minister in 2003, then was elected president in 2014 after three terms. Following Turkey's shift to a presidential system, he was re-elected in 2018 and again in 2023.