Turkish officials suggest possible dates for 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections

Key figures in the Turkish government have begun proposing potential dates for the next general and presidential elections, expected in 2028. Devlet Bahceli, leader of the MHP and a key ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has suggested May 14, 2028, as the target date. Bahceli described Erdogan's potential re-election as the completion of a third "crescent" phase in his political leadership, following his victories in 2018 and 2023.

Contrasting this, Mehmet Ucum, an advisor to the Turkish presidency, has proposed April 16, 2028. Ucum noted that this date holds symbolic significance as it marks the anniversary of the referendum that transitioned Turkey to a presidential system. He also explicitly stated that this would be the final time President Erdogan runs for office.

The leadership of the AKP has also voiced support for Erdogan's candidacy, with parliamentary group vice-chairman Abdulhamit Gul asserting that no legal or constitutional barriers exist to prevent a new bid. While officials differ on the precise timing—either April or May 2028—the discussion centers on maneuvering around legal definitions, with Bahceli arguing that any early vote would constitute an "election renewal" rather than an "early election.