Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is poised to seek re-election, potentially extending his leadership beyond the constitutionally limited two terms. Recently, Justice Minister Akın Gurlek expressed confidence that Erdogan would be re-elected in the upcoming elections, which are slated for 2028. However, this assertion raises numerous questions about the legal pathways that may enable Erdogan to attempt a third consecutive term, given the current constitutional framework.
Legal Loopholes and Potential Changes
During a gathering of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Adana, Gurlek stated that “an election will be held in 2028 to reelect our president.” While he did not explicitly name Erdogan, his remarks suggest a concerted effort within the ruling party to identify a legal loophole that would allow the incumbent leader to run again. The Turkish constitution has stringent measures that restrict the president to two terms in office; however, there are indications that officials are exploring avenues to circumvent this limitation.
Senior advisor Mehmet Uçum hinted that the next presidential and parliamentary elections, scheduled for May 2028, could potentially be moved up to April. He described April 16 as a date of symbolic importance, commemorating the anniversary of a referendum that established Turkey’s current presidential system. If the elections were indeed moved, and Erdogan chose to run again, he could secure what he claims would be his “final” campaign for the presidency.
Electoral Requirements and Political Landscape
For Turkey’s parliament to initiate an early election, a backing of 360 lawmakers is required, equating to three-fifths of the total 600-seat assembly. Currently, Erdogan’s AKP and its nationalist ally, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), are approximately 30 votes short of this threshold, which would compel them to seek support from lawmakers outside their existing coalition. As of now, no official announcements regarding a potential move to an early election have emerged from the Turkish government, nor has Erdogan confirmed intentions to pursue another term.
Erdogan’s tenure in Turkish politics has spanned over two decades, beginning as prime minister from 2003 until 2014, and then transitioning to the presidency in 2014. The controversial changes made in the 2017 constitutional referendum fundamentally altered Turkey’s governance structure, allowing him to assume significant executive powers. His first term as president under the new system commenced in 2018, and he successfully secured a second term in 2023.
Concerns Over Democratic Integrity
The possibility of Erdogan pursuing another candidacy has reignited fears both domestically and internationally regarding the erosion of democratic principles in Turkey. Critics have pointed to increasing repression of political dissidents, journalists, and civil society. Reports indicate that over 1.5 million websites were blocked in Turkey in 2025, highlighting the government’s extensive use of online censorship to stifle opposition.
Recent incidents, including the forced eviction of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) leadership by riot police, further exemplify the ongoing crackdown on dissent. This action followed a court ruling that nullified the results of the party’s congress, raising alarms about judicial impartiality and underscoring growing concerns that political influence is encroaching upon the judiciary.
This anxiety regarding democratic decline extends beyond Turkey’s borders, with the European Parliament issuing strong criticisms of Ankara for its reported transnational repression and political meddling. Lawmakers underscored longstanding issues like diminishing judicial independence, constraints on media liberty, and oppressive measures against civil society organizations, signaling a critical need for renewed scrutiny of Turkey’s political landscape as potential elections approach.