Özgür Özel, the chairman of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Turkey’s largest opposition bloc, issued a bold challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and signaled that the opposition stands ready for an early presidential election at any moment, possibly even next week. His comments, conveyed by a major Turkish broadcaster, underscored the CHP’s resolve to press for a swift decision that could redraw the country’s political timetable. By framing the moment as a real possibility for voters to be summoned to the polls on short notice, Özel aimed to shift the calendar away from drawn-out negotiations and toward a timeline that would test both the government’s willingness to concede and the opposition’s capacity to mobilize broad support. The message captured the intensity of parliamentary politics in Turkey, where opposition and ruling parties frequently test each other’s limits over timing, turnout, and the legitimacy of a snap election in the months ahead. The broader strategy appeared to be a push to convert street pressure into formal parliamentary action, a move that would force the incumbent leadership to confront a rapid transition scenario. (local media reports).
Özel argued that a 360-vote majority in parliament would be sufficient to trigger an early election, a threshold that the CHP presented as achievable if lawmakers unite behind a swift vote. He stressed that the CHP stood ready to back such a measure immediately, signaling a readiness to cooperate with other opposition groups or sympathetic deputies to create the political momentum needed for a fast transition. In doing so, the CHP leader also reminded Erdoğan that the president had acknowledged the prospect of reelection, turning the dispute over schedule into a broader test of political will. If the governing coalition can align behind a quick poll, the opposition believed, the country could move to a constitutional contest that would produce a clear result and a legitimate transfer of power. The remarks reflected a climate in which the timing of polls is a strategic weapon, with both sides watching the arithmetic in the chamber and the mood of the public to decide whether a snap vote makes sense. (reports).
Özel also recalled that the opposition had proposed specific election windows in earlier months, outlining a frame around late October to early November 2025, and invited Erdoğan to select a date that would suit the calendar, perhaps in March or October. The approach was not about rigid scheduling but about offering the government a credible option to resolve the stalemate and set a predictable path for campaigning, registration, and the orderly conduct of ballots. The conversation about dates reflected a broader aim: to reduce uncertainty by anchoring the contest to a concrete horizon while allowing both sides to prepare their campaigns, security logistics, and voter outreach. The dynamic allowed the opposition to present a disciplined timetable that could appeal to voters tired of stalemates while still leaving room for negotiations behind the scenes. (reports).
Özel stated that the opposition was ready to hand over power and expressed hope that early elections would materialize, framing the moment as a chance to reset the political dynamic and deliver a mandate that reflects the will of voters. He suggested that, if a vote were called, the CHP would work toward a smooth and orderly transition, emphasising fidelity to constitutional processes and the stability of government amid a deeply polarized environment. The emphasis on a timely transfer signaled the opposition’s aim to reassure both domestic audiences and international observers that Turkey could experience a legitimate change of leadership without destabilizing its institutions. The posture underscored the strategic belief that clarity around when elections could occur would help reassure markets, regional partners, and citizens who crave certainty about the country’s political path. (reports).
On the government’s side, Erdoğan was reported to be open to the idea of fresh elections and to have indicated that he would run for another presidential term if the moment demanded it. While precise wording from official channels was not disclosed, the accounts described a readiness to engage with the opposition’s timetable and to participate in a process that could lead to renewed legitimacy through the ballot box. Earlier, Erdoğan had framed the security challenge facing Turkey as a central issue, pointing to the fight against terrorism as a defining priority and arguing that political continuity was essential for sustained progress on that front. The evolving dialogue took place amid a backdrop of economic pressures, regional security concerns, and constitutional questions about the mechanics of early elections. Analysts noted that the ultimate shape of any agreement would depend on more than parliamentary arithmetic; it would require building credible coalitions and persuading voters that the process would produce stable governance. (reports).