Mehmet Uçum, an adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, signaled potential changes to the presidential election system during an anniversary event for the Presidential Government System. Following recent tensions with members of his party after events in Van, Erdoğan had indicated that modifying the system “would be appropriate.” The current requirement demands a candidate receive over 50% of the vote to win in the first round, a threshold that might be reduced to 40%+1, according to rumors.
Uçum, known for his alignment with the nationalist MHP party and his close advisory role to Erdoğan, suggested during his speech that the 50%+1 rule could be adjusted to better meet the populace’s needs. This statement came as he commemorated the anniversary of the April 16, 2017, referendum which instituted the Presidential Government System.
In remarks made via his X account (formerly Twitter), Uçum touted the system’s democratic advantages over a parliamentary model, claiming it has dissolved longstanding secular-conservative divisions in Turkey. He emphasized that the rule has compelled all significant political parties to develop inclusive policies that cater to every societal segment, including initiatives like the freedom of headscarves.
The political establishment periodically debates the 50%+1 rule, with Uçum arguing that discussions should focus more on the people’s needs and fostering inclusive democracy, rather than mere political expedience.
Upon his return from Germany, President Erdoğan spoke to reporters on his plane, advocating for a shift to a system where the candidate with the most votes wins, arguing it would expedite elections and prevent misleading tactics. The existing 50%+1 rule, he noted, often misguides political parties, clouding political alignments and decision-making.
