Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will run in the early elections of 2028

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the current President of Turkey, officially confirmed through a Turkish official that he will run for the presidency in the early elections of 2028. This news is released amid a political climate in Turkey heavily influenced by the results of recent polls.

Analysis of Poll Results

A new poll conducted by the Turkish Research Institute indicates that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan may face serious challenges from his two main opposition figures if the elections go to a second round. According to this poll, Ekrem İmamoğlu, the suspended mayor of Istanbul and head of the Turkish Municipalities Union, has garnered 51.3% of the votes, while Erdoğan stands in second place with 48.7%. This poll was conducted in 51 provinces of Turkey in August and its results indicate a potential shift in public support for Erdoğan.

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Situation of Ekrem İmamoğlu

Ekrem İmamoğlu, recognized as Erdoğan's main rival in the upcoming elections, has been detained since March 19, 2025, in the Marmara prison in Silivri. He is considered one of the most significant opposition figures in Turkey and many see him as a symbol of change and innovation in the country's political landscape. While he remains in prison, polls indicate that there is still strong support for him.

Political analysts believe that Erdoğan's candidacy in the 2028 elections could be seen as a challenge for him, especially given the current economic and social conditions in Turkey. With rising public dissatisfaction regarding living conditions and the economy, Erdoğan must pay attention to these factors in his efforts to maintain power.

Electoral Implications

The early elections of 2028 could be a turning point in Turkey's political future. Given the intense competition between Erdoğan and İmamoğlu, these elections could significantly impact Turkey's domestic and foreign policies. In such circumstances, Erdoğan will need to adopt new strategies to garner public support and address economic challenges.

Some analysts predict that Erdoğan may move towards economic and social reforms to attract voters. At the same time, the state of human rights and civil liberties will also play a crucial role in this election and may affect its outcomes.

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