The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) did not retain the majority on its own but secured the majority with its ally (see note 1) in snap elections, held in parallel with the presidential elections (see note 2). The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP, see note 3) came second, winning twice as many seats as the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was re-elected President. The country’s last Prime Minister Binali Yildirim became the new Speaker of the new legislature. The enlarged 600-member parliament (up from 550) will serve a 5-year term (instead of 4 years previously). 

The early elections were held under the state of emergency introduced following a coup attempt in July 2016 (see note 4). Since November 2016, multiple terrorism-related charges have been brought against thousands of HDP members, including most HDP MPs and the party’s two co-leaders. HDP’s presidential candidate and former co-leader Selahattin Demirtaş ran his election campaign from prison. 

Following the amendments to the electoral regulation in March 2018, parties were allowed to form electoral alliances. On 18 April, the President announced that snap parliamentary and presidential elections would be held on 24 June. Elections had been due by November 2019. 

The major issues in 2018 included the economy (in particular a declining currency lira), the war in Syria and the large number of Syrian refugees living in Turkey. 

Note 1:
The AKP formed the People’s alliance with the Nationalist Action Party (MHP, led by Mr. Devlet Bahçeli) amongst others.

Note 2:
In April 2017, a constitutional amendment introducing a presidential system of government, instead of a parliamentary system, was narrowly approved by a referendum. The amendment paved the way for President Erdogan to potentially retain the presidency until 2029. The post of Prime Minister has been abolished.

Note 3:
The CHP, led by Mr. Muharrem Ince, formed the National Alliance with the Iyi Parti led by Ms. Meral Akşener (formerly MHP) amongst others. Ms. Akşener formed her party in opposition to the MHP’s decision to ally with the AKP.

Note 4:
The state of emergency, initially introduced for three months, was successively extended until July 2018. More than 50,000 people were arrested and 150,000 people were suspended from their posts.