AKP plans to hold election in October after party congress

As talks with the Republican People's Party (CHP) for a coalition failed, making an early election this autumn more likely, the leader of Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AKP) has also been making preparations for a regular party congress in September.

AKP head and incumbent Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu already made clear earlier this week that he favors holding the party congress in September, before a potential early election. Davuto?lu has until Aug. 23 to find a junior coalition partner or President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an could call a snap election. The prime minister urged parliament not to leave the decision to Erdo?an. If an early election decision is taken by parliament, with support expected to be lent by the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), it is estimated at least 55 days are needed to complete the required election calendar, thus pushing the election to Oct. 25.

Davuto?lu wants to strengthen his hand before the election by a renewal of the AKP's highest decision-making body, the Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK), at a party congress in September and expand his room to maneuver. 

Such a change with Davuto?lu's young inner circle holding seats at the MKYK will presumably prevent questions from being raised on Davuto?lu's post in case of a failure in the upcoming elections.

Veteran figures in the party, who are also influential within the MKYK, however, favor postponing the congress, most likely so they can have a say on whether the party should continue its path under Davuto?lu's leadership or not, depending upon the election results. In addition to consultations at the MKYK meetings, the opinions of President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, the founding leader of the party which marked the 14th anniversary of its...