Mohammad Ochoom: Erdogan Will Run for Election in 2028 for the Last Time

Mohammad Ochoom, advisor to the President of Turkey, announced at a meeting hosted by the Turkish Press Federation that the presidential and parliamentary elections of 2028 will be held on April 16. Ochoom emphasized that Recep Tayyip Erdogan's candidacy for this election has been confirmed and that this date holds significant symbolic importance.

Date and Importance of the Elections

Ochoom said at the meeting: "I predict that the elections will be held on April 16, 2028. This date marks the anniversary of the referendum on the transition to a presidential system and has symbolic meaning. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan will run for election for the last time." He had previously suggested the date of April 16 and described it as an election that has been brought forward.

Legal Basis for Erdogan's Candidacy

Ochoom pointed out that in order to create a legal basis for Erdogan's candidacy, the Turkish Parliament must decide to renew the elections, stating: "This is possible within the framework of the current constitution, and according to Article 116, the Parliament can decide to renew the elections with a three-fifths majority of its members." The Turkish Parliament has 600 seats, so 360 votes are needed to pass such a decision. This legal provision allows the President to run for another term in his second term.

Ochoom also referred to the statements of "Devlet Bahçeli," the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), regarding support for Erdogan's candidacy and emphasized that Erdogan's political candidacy has now been confirmed. However, he stressed the necessity of creating a legal basis and said that if approved, the elections must be reviewed in Parliament in February 2028.

The Role of Abdullah Öcalan and the Situation of Demirtaş

Ochoom further commented on the role of Abdullah Öcalan in the resolution process, stating that a role has been designated for Öcalan in the "Disarmament and Strategic Coordination Subcommittee," which is one of the committees under the National Unity and Integrity Coordination Board. He emphasized that this does not mean a change in Öcalan's legal status.

The advisor to Erdogan also mentioned the legal status of "Selahattin Demirtaş," the former co-chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), stating that there is no legal obstacle for Demirtaş to submit a request. However, he emphasized that submitting a request does not in itself mean Demirtaş's freedom, and this matter must be reviewed by the relevant court.

In conclusion, Ochoom stated that he does not foresee the possibility of early elections in 2027, adding: "Holding elections in 2028 is more economically suitable." He clarified that holding elections with the budget of 2028 is preferred over 2027.

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