Democracy News

Erdogan’s AKP Wins Parliamentary Election For a Third Time
June 13, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly   

On June 12, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan’s ruling moderate Islamist party, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), won the country’s parliamentary elections by a wide margin.. Despite receiving a majority of the votes, the AKP did not achieve the necessary two-thirds majority in Parliament that would have allowed for the passage of a new Constitution that Erdogan had been pursuing. The AKP previously placed first during the county’s last two parliamentary elections.

The AKP, which is made up of conservatives, won 50.3 percent of the vote (326 seats out of 550). The secular People's Republican Party (CHP) received 27 percent. The Nationalist Action Party (MHP) finished third with 13 percent of the overall vote.

According to the Financial Times, Erdogan’s charisma helped the AKP achieve a better result than four years ago when his party only won 47 percent of the vote. Political rivals in Turkey have expressed concern about the increasing power the moderate Islamists are having in recent times. The New York Times reports that before the elections, Erdogan stated that if he obtained an absolute majority he would push to approve the new constitution without calling for a referendum.

In the absence of a two-thirds majority in parliament, Erdogan’s dream to create a French-style presidential state under the new Constitution will be put on hold until he agrees with other parties on the drafting of the constitution. Once that process is convened, the document will be submitted to the will of the people through a referendum.

Voice of America reports the opposition seeks to maintain the current model of government that allows the legislature to have a more direct control over the executive branch. In the capital city of Ankara, the issue of the new constitution has dominated the political landscape. Erdogan, who has been accused of autocratic tendencies, has already stated he would work with the opposition and pledged to protect the rights and the lifestyle of all Turks under the new document, not just of the predominantly conservative circles that voted for him.

"The nation has given us the message that the new constitution should be created through agreement and negotiation," Erdogan said in his victory speech. He also stated that he would work with the opposition and would "look for consultation and agreement with the media and academics. We will not close our doors," the National reports.

For previous news on Turkey, please see:
Press Freedom Curtailed in Turkey

Sources:
Financial Times – AKP sweeps to third term in Turkey

New York Times – Erdogan’s Party Wins Third Term in Turkish Elections

The National – Election victory for Erdogan boosts Turkey's standing in region

Voice of America – Turkey's Erdogan Begins Building Consensus in Parliament