Although the elections in Turkey are scheduled to take place on June 25, 2023, the issue of early elections has been on the agenda in Ankara for some time. And now, a survey by the MAK Institute found that no less than 49% of Turkish citizens support early elections, similar to 49% who say it is not necessary.
At the level of the map of seats in the Turkish parliament, it seems that Turkey is facing an election campaign that will change the political map beyond recognition. Due to the high blocking percentage – 10% – two parties that are in parliament today, may find themselves below the threshold. First and foremost, the coalition partners of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by him, the far-right National Movement Party (MHP), receive 7.7%. This means that without them – Erdogan does not have a majority in parliament. At the same time, a technical block with MHP will not help achieve the majority.
Archive photo: Reuters
At the same time, a party that is currently below the blocking percentage is the pro-Kurdish Democratic People’s Party (HDP) with 8%. On the other hand, the Justice and Development Party continues to receive the highest number of votes of all – 32.2%, followed by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) with 22.5%, and the Good Party (iYi) which is above the blocking percentage with 12.3%.
The parties that are far from the blocking percentage are new parties led by exes of the Justice and Development Party: the Future Party (GP), led by former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, with 2.2%, and the Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA), led by former Foreign Minister Ali Bajan, with 2 % Only. An interesting issue is that no less than 10% of the respondents – have not yet decided in favor of who they will vote for.
Supporters of the HDP party / Photo: AFP
Another cause for concern for President Erdogan comes from the question “How satisfied are you with your life?” Asked the respondents. No less than 73% of CHP voters and 54% of iYi party voters said they were dissatisfied. Among right-wing parties, 14% of MHP voters and 11% of AKP voters are dissatisfied with their lives. Finally, the Turks seem to be very worried about the new US President Joe Biden, as 46% of the respondents think that his choice is a bad development for Turkey.