Turkey adviser suggests 2028 vote could be moved up

Key facts

• Turkey may hold its 2028 elections in March or April, an adviser said.
• The move could allow President Erdogan to run for a third term.
• Erdogan has ruled Turkey for nearly 23 years.
• A 2017 referendum introduced an executive presidency with a two-term limit.
• Parliamentary allies need 29 additional votes to call an early election.

Turkey's 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections may be moved to March or April, according to a presidential adviser. This potential rescheduling could allow President Tayyip Erdogan to bypass constitutional term limits and seek another term in office. Erdogan has been in power for nearly 23 years, first as prime minister and then as president. A 2017 referendum established an executive presidency with a two-term limit, but the constitution allows for a third term if parliament calls an early election before the current term concludes. While Erdogan's allies have floated the idea, the opposition has criticized it as a move solely to ensure Erdogan's re-election. Calling an early election requires a three-fifths majority in parliament, meaning Erdogan's alliance would need support from other parties.