Majority of Turks back early presidential election, poll finds

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Apr 2025 08:26
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Support for an early election is particularly strong among the opposition.

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People gather outside the headquarters of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) to protest following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP)

A new public opinion survey by Area Arastırma has revealed that 54.5% of Turkish citizens support holding an early presidential election, while 41.4% oppose the idea.

The poll, conducted between April 9 and 15 among 2,000 respondents, also shows a gender gap in attitudes toward early elections. According to the findings, 57% of women favour a snap vote, compared to 52% of men.

Support for an early election is particularly strong among the opposition. "More than 92%" of Republican People’s Party (CHP) supporters back the idea, the report notes, whereas approval among those aligned with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) stands at just 11%.

The study further indicates widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy. More than 75% of respondents believe the current administration’s economic policies are failing, the report said.

Political turmoil in Turkey

The poll’s findings come against the backdrop of mounting political tension in Turkey, where economic hardship, high inflation, and a sliding lira have fuelled public frustration. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government faces increasing scrutiny not only over its economic management but also over democratic backsliding and centralisation of power.

The sharp contrast in support for early elections between opposition and ruling party voters underscores a deepening political divide—one that may shape the country’s trajectory well ahead of the scheduled 2028 vote.

Earlier this month, Turkey's main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) held an extraordinary congress in a bid to counter what it describes as a potential attempt to impose a government-appointed trustee on the party.

The decision follows separate investigations launched by prosecutors in both Ankara and Istanbul into alleged irregularities surrounding the party’s most recent convention.

In Ankara, prosecutors are examining claims that votes were bought during the CHP’s 38th ordinary convention held on November 4–5, 2023.

Simultaneously, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into allegations that provincial elections held ahead of the convention were manipulated and violated electoral laws.

CHP leader Ozgur Ozel addressed the situation on March 21, stating, “They want to appoint a trustee to [Mustafa Kemal] Ataturk’s party."

"We will announce to all of Türkiye that we have prevented trustee attempts by taking the party to an extraordinary convention."

The investigations come amid widespread protests triggered by the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key CHP figure, on corruption charges last month.