Presidential and parliamentary elections could be held early in Turkiye

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reached a "tentative agreement" with his ally Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MNP), to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on 30 April 2023, scheduled for 18 June, Turkish Deutsche Welle service reported Friday, citing sources in the ruling Justice and Development Party (JDP).

The Turkish service Deutsche Welle (DW) reported this, citing sources in the ruling Justice and Development Party (JDP), the sources said.

After meeting with Bahceli, Erdoğan also met with his party leaders and reportedly told them that the JDP leader had no objection to holding elections earlier and that they should start preparing for the elections, which will be held in late April.

DW also said it was "very likely" there would be a second round of presidential elections to be held on 14 May in case the elections were postponed.

If the JDP-MNP alliance gains the support of opposition MPs, an early election could be decided in parliament with at least 360 votes. Otherwise, elections could still be held at an earlier date by Erdoğan's decree.