The opposition's assessment of the debate on a new constitution for the re-election of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sparked a reaction in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the Türkiye newspaper reported.

Justice and Development Party representatives said that if Turkey's president runs for a third time, they intend to accomplish this through parliament's decision to hold elections. 

According to the country's constitution, Erdogan has two ways to run for re-election: either parliament will decide on the election or the provision of Article 101 of the constitution titled “Candidacy and Election of the President” will be changed.

According to the AKP, instead of changing the constitution, it would make more sense for parliament to decide on the election so that Erdoğan can run again. AKP officials also note that Erdoğan's statement “I have no intention of being re-elected or running for election again” does not mean he will not run again.

Sources in the party say it is too early to talk about the timing of discussions on candidacy, and that those discussions could begin in 2027. 

Erdogan first became president in 2014 in an election held by popular vote. The presidential system of government was adopted in Turkey in 2017. He was elected president in elections held on June 24, 2018 and May 28, 2023. Thus, according to the Turkish constitution, Erdogan will complete his two-year term in 2028.