Devlet Bahceli calls for early elections in Turkey to allow Erdogan's candidacy

On October 6, 2026, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahceli, formally proposed holding early presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey within 2028. Addressing his party's parliamentary group, Bahceli argued that a parliamentary decision for early elections is the necessary legal mechanism to enable President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to seek a new term in office.

Bahceli stressed that this decision must be reached with the broadest possible consensus within the Turkish Parliament. He expressed strong support for Erdogan’s candidacy under the People's Alliance banner, characterizing the legal, political, and social justifications for his continued leadership as more than sufficient. According to the MHP leader, Erdogan’s experience is vital for navigating the complex regional and global developments currently impacting the country.

By pushing for this move, Bahceli aims to clear the path for Erdogan to extend his tenure beyond the current constitutional limits. The proposal relies on the parliamentary procedure to trigger the elections, effectively framing this as a strategic political necessity for the ruling coalition.