An evaluation about the ruling party and prospects of having an early election in Turkey

Political experts say President Erdogan seems to be cornered for the first time in his entire political life, and especially looking at the last 20 years.

Many opinion leaders or opposition politicians note that in addition to some useful activities that the leader of ruling AK Party has accomplished during his tenure as prime minister in particular, he has also been responsible for many practices that have not benefited the country – and to the contrary taken important things away from Turkey.

From his point of view, the smartest things the leader of AK Party did or to be more accurate, the tactical strategy he followed to grow and consolidate his electorate was to use “religious sensitivities” first and then give priority to construction investments such as bridges, roads, airports etc. that would always be in front of eyes of the public. This way, we need to express at this point that he was indeed very successful in this regard and the economic pie thus created substantially grew, as well. Therefore, this growth brought with it the opportunity to continue in the targeted direction (which many say is based on an Islamic ideology) using all the financial (and political) power thus obtained.

In this article, we will not go into detail about many unusual incidents the country experienced during this period. But it is worth saying at least that the President seems  to have lost a lot of his former power in the eyes of the public recently, in particular as has got more and more worn out recently.

Many comment this has been due to incorrect preferences, especially in the economy management (wrong usage of sources and assets) and the inability to ensure the proper implementation of justice as well as strict restrictions on freedom of speech – lately, in particular. It is also worth noting that there are many impartial people who even claim that justice has been unfairly interfered with.

After the difficulties experienced in the economy due to the recent pandemic process, public surveys show if there were an early election to be held today, the ruling party, in other words Erdogan could be the losing side with a substantial vote difference. This fact seems to make him more uncomfortable and the mistakes made with this emotion disorder are also becoming more frequent – to be to the disadvantage of the ruling bloc (AK Party and small partner MHP)

Experts also comment that Erdogan is desperately trying to get back the votes he lost. To realize this, he wants to make new moves, at least in the economy, but he sees that this is also difficult in today’s conditions. He is building relations again with countries such as the UAE which he used to be hostile to, most likely hoping to get financial support from them.

On the other hand, the opposition, having formed a fairly harmonious alliance under the leadership of the CHP, wants the election to be held as soon as possible and in fact demands it. It is very clear that no matter what the ruling party does, it seems Turkey will be able to turn its nose in the right direction again after a new election, only. In any case, said election is waiting for Turkey, no later than June 2023. Unless, of course, the government gives up earlier and says “we better have this election soonest possible or right away because we cannot administer any more.”