Senior figures in Turkey’s ruling alliance have recently confirmed plans for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to seek another term in 2028, relying on a constitutional exception that allows a third candidacy if parliament votes to hold early presidential and parliamentary elections during his current term. Adviser Mehmet Uçum and Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated in September 2026 that the vote could occur around April 16, 2028, while MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli on October 6 urged lawmakers to approve the early election with the required 360 votes out of 600. The AKP-MHP bloc holds 326 seats and needs additional support; regular elections remain scheduled for May 2028 absent such a decision. Opposition parties have pressed for earlier polls or resignation amid ongoing investigations, but ruling statements emphasize stability and a final term through this mechanism.