The combined votes of the AKP, MHP, DEM, CHP, HÜDA PAR, and DSP reach 429. In the latest vote, with the support of the CHP, a total of 467 votes was reached, meaning the AKP has effectively conducted a test for amending the constitution.
The bill adopted in the Parliament within the scope of a 'Terror-Free Turkey' received 467 votes with the support of the CHP under its 'invalid' administration. On the same day, the CHP candidate won the deputy mayoral election in the Ankara Etimesgut Municipality with the backing of the AKP and MHP. Thus, the People's Alliance saw that it could change the constitution without a referendum with the CHP's support.
Erdoğan's Goal
When the framework law secured well over 400 votes, AKP deputies commented, 'The visa for a new constitution has now been obtained.' Once Parliament reconvenes on October 1, the new constitution will dominate the political agenda. Seeking to run for president again, Erdoğan is aiming for a system with no term limits through a constitutional amendment.
In this new process, the AKP, MHP, and DEM collaborated fully. The combined seat count of these three parties reaches a total of 379, consisting of 277 for the AKP, 56 for DEM, and 46 for the MHP. In this scenario, 45 of the CHP's deputies play a key role. If the CHP also supports this tripartite alliance, a total of 424 deputies is reached. Consequently, constitutional amendments could be made without the support of the Yeni Parti, Yeni Yol, and other small parties. With the addition of HÜDA PAR's 4 deputies and the DSP's 1 deputy, this figure rises to 429.
The Trial Run Was Held in Etimesgut
The clearest example of how the CHP might align with the People's Alliance (AKP-MHP) in the new era occurred the other day. During the deputy mayoral election in Etimesgut, candidates from the Yeni Parti and the CHP ran against each other. When council members from the CHP, AKP, and MHP acted in unison, the CHP candidate was elected over the Yeni Parti's candidate. Similar dynamics are at play in the Menderes and Üsküdar municipalities. The situation within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Council is also critical. If 10 CHP members were to switch sides, control of the İBB could also change hands.