Bill on Gül’s presidential term delayed

ANKARA

A draft bill is prepared by the ruling party to fix Gül’s term at seven years. DHA photo

Parliament’s Constitution Commission decided yesterday to form a sub-commission to “further discuss” a draft on the procedural rules of presidential elections, which is expected to fix President Abdullah Gül’s term at seven years.

The decision was seen as a move by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to gain time on drafting the provision on Gül’s tenure. Commission chairman Burhan Kuzu, an AKP member, said Gül was elected by Parliament for a single seven-year term in August 2007, two months before constitutional amendments gave presidents a once renewable five-year term and envisioned popular votes for their elections.

“We can solve the debate over Gül’s term by submitting the bill to the sub-commission,” he said