MHP leader Bahçeli calls for early elections to take place on Aug 26
Devlet Bahçeli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which has allied with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) for next year's general and presidential polls, on April 17 called for snap elections to take place on Aug. 26, with the government spokesperson not ruling out the option.
Bahçeli suggested that the elections, scheduled for November 2019, should be held on Aug. 26 this year.
“It is not possible [for Turkey] to wait with patience until Nov. 3, 2019,” he said, referring to the time when the elections are scheduled to take place.
Responding immediately after to Bahçeli, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the two party leaders were set to meet to discuss the issue on April 18.
Following Bahçeli's remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and government spokesperson Bekir Bozdağ said Bahçeli's offer needs to first be discussed at the AKP's decision-making bodies.
The AKP and the MHP formed what they call the “People's Alliance” for the upcoming presidential and general elections.
Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy chair Bülent Tezcan said they accepted “the challenge,” adding “we are ready.”
“The sole will that can solve Turkey's problems is that of the nation,” he added.
“Turkey's government has failed both in the country and abroad. Serious economic problems are at the door,” he said, citing the Turkish Lira's continuously deteriorating value.
“We will discuss the date. It might be Aug. 26, 2018, a week earlier or later,” he said.