Erdogan Adviser Says Turkish President Plans Early 2028 Election to Bypass Term Limits

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to run in an early election in 2028 rather than let his current term run its full course, a top adviser said Thursday, according to France 24.

The strategy, as described by the adviser, would allow Erdogan to sidestep constitutional term limits that would otherwise bar him from seeking another term if he completed his present mandate in full.

Under Turkey's constitution, parliament can trigger early elections with the backing of 360 lawmakers. That threshold means the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its nationalist ally, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), would need the support of at least 34 additional lawmakers beyond their current numbers to call the vote.

The adviser's remarks, reported by France 24, offer the clearest indication yet of how Erdogan's government intends to navigate the legal constraints on his continued rule. The report did not specify further details on the timeline for securing the additional parliamentary votes or which lawmakers might be approached for support.

Erdogan has led Turkey as prime minister and then president for more than two decades. His current term is subject to constitutional limits that the early-election maneuver, as outlined by the adviser, is designed to circumvent.