Erdogan plots early election in April, Arabic media says

Erdogan plots early election in April, Arabic media says
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Erdogan’s AKP is making all necessary preparations and plans for the possibility of holding early parliamentary and presidential elections, a source close to the party said

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is plotting for an early election, most likely in April, the Middle East Eye (MEE) said on Wednesday.

AKP is making all necessary preparations and plans for the possibility of holding early parliamentary and presidential elections, MEE said, citing an unidentified source speaking to London-based Al-Quds al-Arabi newspaper.

The source, who is close to the AKP, said April is the date being circulated in party circles, the news website said.

Erdogan, who’s approval ratings has been in decline due to the economic woes in the country must call presidential and parliamentary elections for June at the latest.

Political opposition in Turkey says Erdogan is breaking the Constitution by running for a third consecutive term. A president may serve a maximum of two terms in office, the Constitution of Turkey says. However, the Constitution also says that if the parliament decides to renew the elections in the second term of the presidency, current president could run for another term. According to some judicial experts and academics, Erdogan could avoid any legal appeals by bringing the elections forward.

Six opposition parties including the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) which are working on putting forward a joint name to run against Erdogan at the elections, are yet to declare a candidate. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the head of CHP reiterates his willingness to run as a candidate should the table of six parties agree on his name.