Erdogan to compete in 2028 elections, Turkish officials say

Turkey is set to hold presidential elections in 2028, with incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan potentially contesting another term, according to senior government officials. The Justice Minister, Akin Gurlek, informed lawmakers from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Adana that an election would be held to re-elect Erdogan in April 2028, provided 360 lawmakers support the decision.

Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey since 2003, would then have ruled the country for three decades. The election, scheduled for May 2028, is now set to take place a month early due to an early call. However, Erdogan's AKP and its allies currently lack the necessary majority of 360 seats in the Turkish parliament to trigger the early election.

Despite this, some opposition parties may support the move, including a faction within the CHP and the pro-Kurdish DEM Party. Opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, whose opposition party has gained enough support to become Turkey's main opposition party, has called for an early election. An opinion poll showed the AKP trailing behind the New Party, and opposition leader Kilicdaroglu has criticized an early election that would allow Erdogan to stand for another term.

Erdogan's critics accuse Turkey of increasing authoritarianism, citing frequent arrests of activists, journalists, and opposition politicians. Despite this, Erdogan has maintained widespread public support, navigating Turkey through conflicts and economic crises.