Erdogan, who suffered a rare political setback in inconclusive June polls, said he would meet the parliament speaker on Monday to make the arrangements and then formally call the new elections.
Advertisement
According to Turkey’s Constitution, when the 45-day period expires without a government being formed, the President can decide to hold a new election.
In a note to political parties, the country’s election commission proposed that any new election should be held on November. 1, according to AK Party officials.
Opponents have accused Erdogan of seeking early elections all along and meddling in coalition talks in the hope that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) would benefit by being seen as the only way to peace. In that case, the president has the right to order early elections.
Mr. Erdogan’s push for early elections comes amid a backdrop of soaring risks as Turkey prepares for joint strikes with the U.S. against Islamic State in Syria, fights an escalating Kurdish insurgency spreading into urban areas, and faces persistent financial volatility that is sending the lira to record lows and stoking economic concerns.
Meanwhile, some 50 Turkish soldiers and police have been killed in attacks blamed on the PKK, with their funerals a daily event on Turkish television. “The possibility of a coalition is no longer available, so instead of blaming each other let’s form a government”, Davutoğlu said.
Still, Mr. Erdogan said he would not delay the inevitable.
Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu abandoned efforts to build a coalition government on Tuesday, following the failure of talks with the leaders of two smaller parties. He also attacked the main-opposition CHP for criticizing his $615 million presidential palace, saying he has no business with those who don’t respect the presidency.
Advertisement
Turkey’s lira has been pressured by the uncertainty, breaking the ceiling of three to the dollar for the first time on Thursday after the November 1 election date was first evoked.
