Turkish government plans to hold early parliament elections in October

As talks with the Republican People’s Party (CHP) for a coalition failed, making an early election this autumn more likely, the leader of Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) has also been making preparations for a regular party congress in September, the Hurriyet Daily News reported.

AKP head and incumbent Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu already made clear earlier this week that he favors holding the party congress in September, before a potential early election.

Davutoğlu has until Aug. 23 to find a junior coalition partner or President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could call a snap election.

The prime minister urged parliament not to leave the decision to Erdoğan.

If an early election decision is taken by parliament, with support expected to be lent by the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), it is estimated at least 55 days are needed to complete the required election calendar, thus pushing the election to Oct. 25.