23.08.2026 12:00
Following MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's statement that the electoral system and the Political Parties Law need to be reconsidered, the corridors of Ankara have become active. It has been claimed that within the AK Party, considerations are being made to preserve the official alliance system, while also evaluating regulations that would make it more difficult for parties to enter elections through methods such as joint lists and umbrella parties outside of alliances.
Following the statement by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli that the electoral system and the Political Parties Law should be reconsidered, debates regarding election legislation have accelerated in Ankara. It is noted in AK Party circles that efforts have already been put on the agenda to complete the regulations before a possible election schedule emerges.
PRESERVATION OF THE OFFICIAL ALLIANCE SYSTEM EXPECTED
According to Cumhuriyet's report, the formulas being considered are not aimed at completely abolishing the current official electoral alliance system. Instead, it is suggested that introducing new restrictions on election cooperation models developed by political parties without forming an official alliance is being evaluated.
It is stated that the continuation of the current alliance system is expected, but rules that could make it more difficult for opposition parties, in particular, to cooperate outside the official alliance through joint lists, umbrella parties, or different methods are being discussed.
JOINT LIST FORMULA UNDER SCRUTINY
The joint list method is at the forefront of the topics said to be evaluated in the corridors. Practices such as small parties participating in elections through the lists of another political party and candidates from different parties returning to their own parties after being elected as deputies from the joint list are being focused on.
Making such election cooperations subject to clearer, binding, and auditable rules is among the options.
CONDITIONS FOR SMALL PARTIES MAY CHANGE
It is stated that the conditions small parties must fulfill to participate in elections under the Political Parties Law could also be reconsidered.
Potential regulations include tightening the organizational requirements sought for parties' eligibility to enter elections and introducing new criteria regarding provincial and district organization.
VOTE THRESHOLD FOR TREASURY AID ON THE AGENDA
Another topic discussed in the corridors is reported to be Treasury aid provided to political parties. It is stated that changing the vote percentage required to benefit from Treasury aid is among the options being evaluated.
While no definitive regulation has been reached in the debates initiated after Bahçeli's statement, it is reported that possible changes to election legislation are being discussed to be addressed before the election schedule comes to the fore.