ANKARA, Nov 5 (Reuters) – Longtime Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan’s main political ally said on Tuesday a constitutional amendment should be considered to allow the president to run again in elections due in 2028.

After his re-election last year, Erdogan is serving his final presidential term unless parliament calls early elections, in accordance with the constitution. He has ruled Turkey for more than 21 years, first as prime minister and then as president.

“Wouldn’t it be a natural and right choice to elect our president again if terrorism is eradicated, if a big blow is given to inflation and if Turkey ensures its political and economic stability,” Devlet Bahceli said , leader of the Nationalist Movement. (MHP), allied with Erdogan’s ruling AK Party (AKP).

A constitutional amendment to ensure Erdogan’s ability to run for president again should be considered, he said in a parliamentary speech to MHP lawmakers.

Some analysts said the shock suggestion could be motivated by the AKP-MHP’s desire to win support from the pro-Kurdish DEM, the third-largest parliamentary party, for a constitutional change that could improve the chances of Erdogan in the 2028 elections.

A constitutional change can be put to a referendum if 360 lawmakers from Parliament’s 600 seats support it. Early elections also require the support of 360 deputies.

The AKP and its allies have 321 seats while the DEM has 57 seats.

Register here.

Our standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.open a new tab