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2018 Turkish presidential election

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This article is about Turkish presidential election, 2018. Not to be confused with Turkish general election, 2018.
Turkish presidential election, 2018
← 2014 24 June 2018 2023 →
Opinion polls
 
Candidate Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Muharrem İnce Selahattin Demirtaş[a]
Party AK Party CHP HDP
Alliance People's Alliance Nation Alliance [[None[b]|None[b]]]
 
Candidate Meral Akşener Temel Karamollaoğlu
Party İYİ[c] SP
Alliance Nation Alliance Nation Alliance
The 81 voting Provinces of Turkey
Incumbent President

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
AK Party



The Turkish presidential election of 2018 is scheduled to occur on 24 June 2018 as part of the 2018 general election, alongside parliamentary elections on the same day. Following the approval of constitutional changes in a referendum held in 2017, the elected President will be both the head of state and head of government of Turkey, taking over the latter role from the to-be-abolished office of the Prime Minister.[2] The election was originally scheduled for November 2019, though after calls from Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahçeli for a snap election, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on 18 April 2018 that it would be brought forward.[3]

Incumbent president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared his candidacy for the People's Alliance (Turkish: Cumhur İttifakı) on 27 April 2018.[4] Turkey's main opposition, the Republican People's Party, nominated Muharrem İnce, a member of the parliament known for his combative opposition and spirited speeches against Erdoğan.[5] The Peoples' Democratic Party nominated the imprisoned ex-chairman Selahattin Demirtaş. Besides these candidates, Meral Akşener, the founder and leader of İyi Party,[6] Temel Karamollaoğlu, the leader of the Felicity Party and Doğu Perinçek, the leader of the Patriotic Party, have announced their candidacies and collected the 100,000 signatures required for nomination.

Electoral system

The President of Turkey is directly elected through the two-round system, under which a candidate must obtain at least 50%+1 of the popular vote in order to be elected. If no candidate secures an overall majority outright, then a runoff is held between the two most voted-for candidates from the first round, the winner of which is then declared elected. The first direct election to the Turkish presidency was held in 2014, after a referendum in 2007 abolished the previous system under which the head of state was elected by the legislature, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. The President of Turkey is subject to term limits, and may serve at most two consecutive five-year terms.

Prospective presidential candidates must be at least 40 years old and must have completed higher education. Any political party that has won 5% of the vote in the previous parliamentary election can put forward a candidate, although parties that have not met this threshold can form alliances and field joint candidates as long as their total vote share exceeds 5%. Independents can run if they collect 100,000 signatures from the electorate.[7] An estimate released in July 2017 predicted that collecting 100,000 signatures to stand for election could exceed ₺15 million (US$4.2 million) in costs, if each individual signature would require certification by a notary.[8] However, the Supreme Electoral Council of Turkey (YSK) announced that signature collection would occur between 4 and 9 May, with voters having to submit their nominations at their local electoral council branch.

Based on the results of the previous general election in November 2015, only the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Republican People's Party (CHP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) are eligible to field candidates for the presidential election. The remaining parties combined received under 3% of the vote and are thus unable to field either a joint candidate or a candidate in their own right. In addition to past election results, parties which have a parliamentary group can nominate a candidate. Thus, the newly formed İYİ Party was also eligible to nominate their candidate, since 15 CHP Members of Parliament defected to them with the intention of allowing the party to form a parliamentary group. However, İYİ Party leader and presidential candidates Meral Akşener insisted on being nominated by collecting signatures rather than through parliament.

Opinion polls

Main article: Opinion polling for the Turkish general election, 2018

Candidates

Official candidates

The Supreme Electoral Council (YSK) will formally announce the candidates on 13 May. According to preliminary developments, they are likely to be Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Muharrem İnce, Selahattin Demirtaş, Meral Akşener and Temel Karamollaoğlu, with the additional possibility of Doğu Perinçek.

Selection process

Former President Abdullah Gül announces that he will not stand as a presidential candidate on 28 April

In the run-up to the election, various parties underwent a candidate selection process to nominate presidential candidates.

People's Alliance (AKP and MHP)

Main article: 2018 Turkish presidential election candidate nominations § People's Alliance (AKP and MHP)

Serving president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was widely seen as the undisputed candidate of the People's Alliance, an alliance set up by the governing Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). This was confirmed by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli on 21 April 2018.[9]. The AK Party parliamentary group voted unanimously to nominate Erdoğan on 3 May.[10].

Republican People's Party (CHP)

Muharrem İnce being announced as the CHP's presidential candidate on 4 May
Main article: 2018 Turkish presidential election candidate nominations § Republican People's Party (CHP)

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) began a wide search for a candidate, with several rumours that the party was content with supporting a cross-party candidate that was not necessarily in line with the party's values as part of an election alliance. CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu subsequently conducted several meetings with the leaders of the Felicity Party and the İYİ Party. Former President Abdullah Gül was mentioned as a cross-party option, allegedly receiving the support of senior officials, but was disbanded following heavy opposition from the lower ranks and voters. Gül eventually announced that he would not stand, citing the lack of cross-party consensus.[11]. Despite ruling it out several times, party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu was frequently mentioned as a potential candidate, along with Yılmaz Büyükerşen, İlhan Kesici, Muharrem İnce and Mehmet Haberal. Certain MPs, such as Öztürk Yılmaz and Didem Engin also publicly declared their interest.[12] On 26 April, CHP MP Özgür Özel, himself seen as a potential candidate, announced that their nominee would be one who would make the AKP 'crazy' the most[13]. On 4 May, Yalova MP Muharrem İnce was declared the party's candidate.[14].

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)

HDP co-leader Sezai Temelli meeting party activists in Diyarbakır on 30 April to gauge views on their presidential candidate
Main article: 2018 Turkish presidential election candidate nominations § Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)

The HDP nominated Selahattin Demirtaş, their former leader who was also the HDP's candidate in 2014, on 4 May.[15]. It was reported that the party executive had broadly agreed on Demirtaş earlier, raising concern that his preventative detention since 2016 could potentially bar him from running. Originally due in court on 11 April, Demirtaş's trial for charges of 'spreading terrorist propaganda' was delayed to 30 April, and then again to 8 June.[16]. His candidacy was announced as a part of a 'broad coalition of Kurdish and left-wing parties'.[17] His lawyers and HDP officials claimed that his detention wouldn't affect his candidacy.[18] In his first message after announcing his candidacy, he called on his supporters to be his 'hands and arms' during the campaign.[19]

İYİ Party

Meral Akşener announcing her presidential ambitions during the establishment of the İyi Party on 25 October 2017
Main article: 2018 Turkish presidential election candidate nominations § İYİ Party

Upon announcing the İYİ Party's establishment on 25 October 2017, party leader Meral Akşener announced that she would be a candidate in the presidential election.[20] She reaffirmed her candidacy on 18 April 2018, shortly after the election was called.[21] The party subsequently received pressure from the CHP and the Felicity Party (SP) to enter a joint alliance and support a cross-party candidate, with the SP supporting Abdullah Gül.[22] Akşener refused to withdraw her candidacy, with the party's General Administration Council voting unanimously to nominate her as their party candidate on 24 April 2018.[23]

Felicity Party (SP)

SP leader Temel Karamollaoğlu and CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu meet to discuss a joint candidate on 23 April 2018
Main article: 2018 Turkish presidential election candidate nominations § Felicity Party (SP)

In the run-up to the election, SP leader Temel Karamollaoğlu managed to carry his party to the mainstream media following a number of speeches where he heavily criticised the government. This led to the SP being regarded as a potential kingmaker in future alliances, causing several larger parties to approach Karamollaoğlu in a bid to field a joint candidate. Although this led to the Nation Alliance being established between the SP, CHP and the İYİ Party, no consensus was reached on a joint presidential candidate and each party decided to nominate their own. The SP polled their members on four potential candidates, namely Karamollaoğlu, Abdullah Gül, Haşim Kılıç and Abdüllatif Şener. Karamollaoğlu was announced as the party's candidate on 1 May.[24]

Others

Main article: 2018 Turkish presidential election candidate nominations § Others

The left-wing Patriotic Party declared their leader Doğu Perinçek as their candidate. As part of a triple alliance of small centre-right parties consisting of the Motherland Party (ANAP), the True Path Party (DYP) and the Justice Party (AP), the AP's leader Vecdet Öz was nominated as a joint candidate. As independents, journalist Levent Gültekin and Tuna Bekleviç declared their intentions to run.

Nominations

Parliamentary nominations

Signature nominations

Campaign

Erdoğan campaign

Main article: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presidential campaign, 2018

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, incumbent President of Turkey since 2014, was officially nominated as the presidential candidate of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) on 3 May 2018.[25] Shortly thereafter, the nominally oppositional Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) reiterated that it would endorse Erdoğan's candidacy, and would jointly apply to the electoral commission for its formal registration.[26] In early May, it was confirmed by Erdoğan that he would be visiting the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo in the early stages of the campaign, most likely on 20 May 2018, and hold campaign rallies with the Bosnian Turks to drum up support for his re-election bid.[27]

İnce campaign

Main article: Muharrem İnce presidential campaign, 2018

Muharrem İnce, a member of parliament for Yalova, was announced as the presidential candidate of the Republican People's Party (CHP) on 3 May 2018.[28] On the following day, 4 May, party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu formally proclaimed the CHP's support for İnce.[29] Shortly thereafter, the CHP began preparations for the campaign season, launching the production of campaign material and merchandise. It was revealed in early May that İnce's campaign would adopt the slogan “Türkiye’ye güvence Muharrem İnce”, roughly translating to "Muharrem İnce, an assurance to Turkey",[30] and that it would be kicked off with an election rally in his home city of Yalova on 5 May.[31]

Demirtaş campaign

Main article: Selahattin Demirtaş presidential campaign, 2018

Selahattin Demirtaş was officially announced as the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (HDP) on 4 May 2018, after members of the party had hinted at his candidacy weeks in advance.[32] Party leader Pervin Buldan declared that Demirtaş, a jailed former co-chair of the HDP, would be leading a five-party "Kurdish alliance" into the general election.[33]

Akşener campaign

Main article: Meral Akşener presidential campaign, 2018

Meral Akşener was nominated as the candidate of the İyi Party on 4 May 2018, after she had succesfully collected the 100,000 signatures required for minor party candidates to gain ballot access. Reportedly, she passed this threshold less than four hours after having launched her signature collection campaign.[34]

Karamollaoğlu campaign

Main article: Temel Karamollaoğlu presidential campaign, 2018

Temel Karamollaoğlu was nominated as the candidate of the Felicity Party (SP) on 6 May 2018, after he had succesfully collected the 100,000 signatures required for minor party candidates to gain ballot access. Karamollaoğlu's campaign adopted the slogan "Türkiye'ye Bilge Başkan" (A Wise Leader to Turkey).

Perinçek campaign

Öz campaign

Notes

  1. ^ Since 2016 in preventive detention in Istanbul[1]
  2. ^ Supported by the left-wing political parties and groups of the HDK
  3. ^ Supported by the DP


References

  1. ^ "Jailed leader of Turkey's pro-Kurdish opposition makes first court appearance in 14 months". Reuters. 12 January 2018. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
  2. ^ "Turkey referendum: Erdoğan wins vote amid dispute over ballots – as it happened | World news". The Guardian. 2017-04-16. Retrieved 2017-10-23.
  3. ^ "Erdoğan açıkladı... Erken seçim tarihi belli oldu". Hürriyet. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  4. ^ "HDP'nin cumhurbaşkanı adayı Demirtaş". tr.sputniknews.com. 2018-04-26. Retrieved 2018-04-26.
  5. ^ "Turkey's main opposition nominates combative former teacher to challenge Erdogan". Reuters. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
  6. ^ "100 bin imzayla Cumhurbaşkanı adayı olacağım". NTV. 2018-04-18. Retrieved 2018-04-19.
  7. ^ "Anayasa değişikliği maddeleri tam metni | Yeni anayasa maddeleri nelerdir? | Son Dakika Türkiye Haberleri". Cnnturk.com. Retrieved 2017-10-23.
  8. ^ Sputnik (2017-07-23). "'Cumhurbaşkanlığına aday göstermenin bedeli 15 milyon lirayı bulabilir' - Sputnik Türkiye". Tr.sputniknews.com. Retrieved 2017-10-23.
  9. ^ http://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/mhp-genel-baskani-devlet-bahceli-adayimiz-sayin-recep-tayyip-erdogandir-361839.html
  10. ^ https://www.kamupersoneli.net/politika/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-316-imza-ile-aday-oldu-h45314.html
  11. ^ https://www.gercekgundem.com/siyaset/12266/abdullah-gul-beklenen-kararini-acikladi-aday-degilim
  12. ^ http://www.gunes.com/gundem/chp-milletvekili-didem-engin-cumhurbaskanligi-aday-adayiyim-868343
  13. ^ https://www.cnnturk.com/turkiye/chpli-ozgur-ozel-erdogani-en-cildirtacak-adayi-aciklayacagiz
  14. ^ https://www.amerikaninsesi.com/a/chp-cumhurbaskani-muharrem-ince-partili-olmayacagim/4377316.html
  15. ^ http://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/hdpnin-cumhurbaskani-adayi-selahattin-demirtas-oldu-363927.html
  16. ^ http://www.dw.com/tr/demirtaşın-duruşması-8-hazirana-ertelendi/a-43597817
  17. ^ http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/hdp-resmen-acikladi-demirtas-aday-40826599
  18. ^ https://tr.sputniknews.com/turkiye/201804301033237228-hdp-demirtas-cumhurbaskani-aday/
  19. ^ http://www.dw.com/tr/hdpnin-adayı-demirtaştan-ilk-mesaj/a-43660186
  20. ^ https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/meral-aksener-benim-cumhurbaskani-olmami-istiyorlar-iyi-parti-kuruldu,hz54g-JF8kCjBtWSCg6wIA
  21. ^ https://www.milligazete.com.tr/haber/1532500/erken-secim-karari-sonrasi-meral-aksenerden-flas-aciklama
  22. ^ https://tr.sputniknews.com/turkiye/201804251033171340-iyi-parti-koray-aydin-aksener-gul-cati-aday/
  23. ^ https://www.haberler.com/dha-ankara-iyi-parti-nin-cumhurbaskani-adayi-10786442-haberi/
  24. ^ https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/saadet-partisinin-cumhurbaskani-adayitemel-karamollaoglu,c18V84kgZkuvmcbMitAaeA
  25. ^ "AKP formally nominates Erdoğan for presidential election". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  26. ^ "AKP, MHP jointly apply to election board for Erdoğan's presidential bid". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  27. ^ "Erdogan's Bosnia Rally May Be Key Game-Changer". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  28. ^ Cite error: The named reference auto was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  29. ^ Cite error: The named reference auto1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  30. ^ "İşte Muharrem İnce'nin afişi ve sloganı". Cumhuriyet. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  31. ^ "CHP presidential candidate İnce vows to be 'everyone's president'". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  32. ^ "HDP'li yetkililer: Demirtaş, ceza çıksa da çıkmasa da aday olacak". Sputnik News. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  33. ^ "HDP nominates imprisoned former leader Demirtaş for presidency". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  34. ^ "Akşener collects 100,000 signatures in 4 hours to become presidential candidate". Turkish Minute. Retrieved 4 May 2018.

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