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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could run for another term in the 2028 presidential election, according to his chief adviser Mehmet Ucum.
Ucum said the election could be held on April 16, 2028, if at least 360 of the Turkish parliament’s 600 lawmakers vote to renew the election. Under Turkish law, the election is otherwise expected to be held in May 2028.
Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), currently hold 326 seats, meaning they would need support from at least 34 lawmakers from outside the coalition to reach the 360-vote threshold.
The government has repeatedly said the election will be held on schedule. AKP spokesman Omer Celik also recently said there was no plan to bring forward the election. Ucum’s latest remarks, however, have renewed speculation about an earlier vote.
Under Turkey’s Constitution, if parliament decides to renew elections during a president’s second term, the incumbent can seek another term. Ucum said Erdogan would be a candidate for the final time if such a decision is taken.
Erdogan became prime minister in 2003 and was elected president in 2014. He was re-elected in 2018 and 2023 after Turkey shifted from a parliamentary to an executive presidential system.
After his 2023 victory, Erdogan described the term as his final presidential mandate. However, an election brought forward through a parliamentary decision could create a constitutional route for him to run again.
The timing of the 2028 election and whether Erdogan will seek another term therefore remain subjects of political debate in Turkey.
