Kılıçdaroğlu's Appointment Could Enable Erdoğan's Candidacy Without Referendum

A recent court decision appointing Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) has ignited discussions about a potential constitutional amendment that could allow President Tayyip Erdoğan to run for a fourth term. The political ramifications of this ruling are seen as intrinsically tied to ongoing constitutional debates in Turkey.

Sources suggest that the appointment of Kılıçdaroğlu may increase the likelihood of a constitutional amendment being passed directly by parliament, bypassing the need for a national referendum. This scenario is being discussed amidst internal shifts within the CHP, where two factions are reportedly maneuvering against each other following the court's intervention.

The broader context includes MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's "terror-free Turkey" initiative and the idea of having a "Kurdish and Alevi vice president." However, analysts believe that a public referendum on constitutional changes might face significant opposition due to factors like the prominence of Öcalan in certain processes and the prolonged economic crisis. Consequently, the focus may shift to securing parliamentary approval.

Specifically, the article highlights the potential for the ruling AKP party, along with the MHP, HÜDAPAR, and DEM Party, to gather enough votes in parliament to amend the constitution without a referendum. If Kılıçdaroğlu and his supporters within the CHP also lend their backing, it could provide the necessary numbers for Erdoğan's fourth candidacy. This possibility is being closely watched, especially considering the internal divisions within the CHP, where a significant number of deputies have called for a party congress.