Erdogan ally calls for new constitution and electoral reforms in Turkey

Monday 07 September 2026 - 14:15

By: Azzat Manal

Erdogan ally calls for new constitution and electoral reforms in Turkey

Devlet Bahceli, leader of Turkey’s Nationalist Movement Party and a key political ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has renewed his call for the country to draft a new constitution and revise its laws governing elections and political parties.

Bahceli argued that such changes are needed to make Turkey’s presidential system more effective and ensure greater political stability. Speaking to Haberturk television, he said stability should remain a priority for the country and maintained that the presidential system had provided a framework for this stability, while acknowledging that some aspects of its implementation should be reviewed after two terms.

The Nationalist Movement Party leader said the preparation of a new constitution should be accompanied by a broader discussion on the legal and political changes required to support it. He called for civil society organizations, academics, intellectuals and political parties to participate in the process.

Bahceli’s comments come as Turkey continues to debate the future of its political and constitutional system. The country moved from a parliamentary model to an executive presidential system following constitutional changes approved in a 2017 referendum, with the new system taking effect after the 2018 elections.

The veteran nationalist politician also addressed the ongoing process surrounding the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, and efforts aimed at ending its armed activities and achieving disarmament. Bahceli said the process had so far encountered no major obstacles, while acknowledging tensions and what he described as provocations linked to separatist activities.

He also pointed to the work of the relevant parliamentary committee, saying that an agreement reached within the body had allowed a framework law connected to the process to pass with the support of 467 lawmakers. Bahceli said the level of parliamentary backing exceeded his expectations and argued that it demonstrated a broader degree of political and social consensus.

The remarks underline Bahceli’s continued support for constitutional reform while highlighting the importance he places on maintaining the political alliance between his party and Erdogan’s ruling bloc. Any attempt to rewrite Turkey’s constitution or substantially modify electoral and party legislation, however, would require a broad political debate given the implications for the country’s institutions and electoral system.