Turkish government rules out snap election amid rumors

ANKARA

The government has denied speculation that it will opt for early elections in 2018, insisting that polls will be held in late 2019 as scheduled.

“Those who say this should prove it. There is no such a thing. Have you ever heard anything like this from us?” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told reporters at parliament when asked about the rumors on Oct. 24.

Turkey is due to hold three elections in 2019, first local polls in March and then simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections in November.

Speaking about who could replace Melih Gökçek as Ankara mayor, with Gökçek due to resign on Oct. 28, Erdoğan said “consultations will be held” within the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

“Steps and decisions will be taken in line with developments. There is no such thing currently but that does not mean that there won’t be in due course. Our main focus is on success. We will do whatever necessary for success,” he added.

The AKP’s mayors of Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Niğde and Düzce have recently announced their resignations upon Erdoğan’s request, though Balıkesir Mayor Ahmet Edip Uğur is still continuing in office.