Türkiye’s Erdogan may run for third term, advisor suggests

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could run for a third term if the parliament decides to hold early elections in the second half of 2027, according to a statement from senior presidential advisor Mehmet Ucum.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ucum explained that, according to the Turkish constitution, if parliament calls for early elections during the second term of a sitting president, the president could run for re-election based on Article 116/3 of the constitution, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“According to the constitution, if parliament decides to hold early elections during the second term of the sitting president, the president can stand for election again in accordance with Article 116/3 of the constitution,” Ucum wrote.

Erdogan’s second presidential term is set to expire in 2028, at which point, under current law, he would be ineligible to run again as he would have served two consecutive terms. However, the possibility of early elections in Turkey has been a subject of ongoing debate, although the government has not yet confirmed any such plans.

Ucum emphasized that the decision on early elections lies solely with the parliament.

“The exclusive opportunity for Erdogan to run for president again could only be realized if the relevant constitutional provision is applied. The power to make this decision belongs to the parliament. If, with the consent of 360 deputies, the parliament decides to hold early elections before the planned general elections scheduled for May 7, 2028—for example, in the second half of 2027—then President Erdogan can stand for election again. And this would be the last time,” Ucum clarified.

The senior advisor also addressed criticisms of the potential proposal, calling them “irrational and inappropriate.”

He stated, “Some may say that such a constitutional provision should not be enforced. Yes, such an opinion may exist. However, approaching this issue as if there is no legal possibility for Erdogan to do so and as if it is a personal initiative is complete ignorance and dishonesty.”

By Khagan Isayev