Will Erdogan’s big gamble pay off?
Surveys suggest there is no certainty that early elections will produce the results Erdogan is banking on for his leadership ambitions.
Despite his weakened position following the June 7 elections, which saw the Justice and Development Party (AKP) he once led lose its parliamentary majority, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is continuing with his efforts to show who is boss when it comes to crucial political decisions in Turkey. In doing so, however, he is also continuing to disregard the Turkish Constitution and the political propriety required of him as president.
Pre-empting Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Erdogan announced last week that the country would be holding early elections Nov. 1. Under normal circumstances, this announcement should come from the head of the government. Turkey, however, is currently in the throes of unprecedented circumstances.
