Hasipoğlu: Government Considering Snap And Simultaneous Elections In December

Speaking on BRT’s “Gündem 12” programme, Hasipoğlu said there is a majority view within the UBP in favour of holding both elections together in December, though he stressed that legal amendments would be required.

He said the party has now entered an election-focused period following its recent statute congress, adding: “From the moment UBP enters an election process, it locks onto its target.”

Hasipoğlu noted that, under the natural electoral calendar, local elections are due in December while general elections are scheduled for early 2027, in January. He said merging the two is still being discussed and no final decision has been taken.

“Our inclination is for both elections to be held at the same time, but the necessary conditions must be prepared,” he said, adding that voter participation, party organisation, and the ability of the High Election Board to manage vote counting efficiently must all be considered.

He said holding both elections together would require amendments to the Election Law, and argued that such a move could also create financial savings. He also suggested increasing the number of ballot boxes and even reconsidering the system of “preferential voting”.

Hasipoğlu recalled that he had previously drafted legislation on abolishing preferential voting, which had been discussed with CTP officials at the time, including then Secretary-General Asım Akansoy and party leader Tufan Erhürman, though he noted broader political consensus would be needed.

Commenting on the opposition, Hasipoğlu said statements by President Erhürman indicated reluctance toward holding both elections at the same time, adding that this suggested CTP would likely oppose simultaneous elections.

He said an alternative under discussion is bringing the general election forward by one month to align with local elections in December.

“Let’s be clear, we are entering an election atmosphere,” he said, adding that parliamentary work would soon slow down and that there would be time for campaigning from July until December.

Hasipoğlu also said that polls conducted three to four months before elections tend to reflect reality, and criticised opposition MPs, claiming they had shifted their behaviour following the presidential election.

He argued that some CTP MPs were voting against proposals even when they agreed with them, saying they were already focused on the elections. He urged political activity to intensify only after parliament closes.