19 October 2017

President Erdogan is seeking to consolidate his power by renewing his party prior to the crucial 2019 elections

• The surprisingly narrow victory in April’s referendum has raised questions about the electoral strength of the ruling Justice and Development Party after 15 years in power
• President Erdogan has led calls for longstanding figures to stand aside in favour of new blood, Istanbul’s mayor has resigned and Ankara’s is on the brink
• The president’s ability to ring changes in the party despite some resistance is a demonstration of both the extent and limits of his power

Several local politicians from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have resigned as preparations begin for local and presidential elections scheduled for 2019. The changes come following last April’s constitutional referendum, which the government won by a slim margin despite the support of Turkey’s third biggest political force, the Nationalist Action Party (MHP). Only 51% of voters backed the proposal to move from a parliamentary to presidential system, well below the combined 60%...

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Photo credit: Beyaz Gazete