Ankara (Türkiye)– Justice and Development Party (AK Party) MP for Istanbul, Numan Kurtulmuş, has been re-elected Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). He clinched 329 votes in the third round of parliamentary voting held in Turkish Parliament, securing a clear mandate for his second term.
Turkish Parliament: Kurtulmuş Secures Majority in Final Round
In total, 529 lawmakers of Turkish Parliament cast their votes. By receiving 329 votes, Kurtulmuş comfortably surpassed the 301-vote absolute majority threshold. His victory ensured a smooth transition into a new three-year term as Turkish Parliament Speaker—unless early elections are called.
Turkish Parliament Vote Results: Clear Lead Over Rivals
Kurtulmuş’s closest challenger, Uğur Bayraktutan of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), received 118 votes.
The remaining candidates earned the following support:
Cengiz Çandar (DEM Party, Diyarbakır): 18 votes
Mustafa Cihan Paçacı (İYİ Party, Istanbul): 26 votes
Mehmet Karaman (New Path Party, Samsun): 26 votes
Additionally, lawmakers cast one blank ballot, while 11 votes were deemed invalid.
Turkish Parliament: Multiple Parties, One Outcome
Although five political parties with parliamentary groups entered the race, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)—an AK Party ally—opted not to nominate a candidate. Instead, it formally endorsed Kurtulmuş, boosting his chances.
Immediately following the vote, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated Kurtulmuş on his re-election.
Emphasis on Peace: The “Terror-Free Türkiye” Initiative
In his address, Kurtulmuş prioritized national unity and security, urging all parties to support the “terror-free Türkiye” initiative. He labeled it both a historic opportunity and a national duty.
The initiative traces back to MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, who called on the PKK’s jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan, to encourage a cessation of violence. That call led to a series of critical developments, culminating in the PKK’s formal dissolution—ending a 40-year terror campaign that devastated Türkiye, Iraq, and Syria.
As a next step, Kurtulmuş announced plans to form a parliamentary commission to guide the peace initiative. He emphasized the need for collaboration among all political parties, framing it as a shared democratic responsibility.
Pledging a New, Inclusive Constitution
Kurtulmuş also renewed calls for constitutional reform, vowing to deliver a civil, inclusive, and democratic charter for the Republic’s second century.
He reminded Parliament that Türkiye’s current constitution, written after the 1980 military coup, remains outdated despite nearly 20 amendments. According to Kurtulmuş, a comprehensive overhaul is essential to align with the country’s modern values and global standing.
Looking Ahead: A New Legislative Chapter
With his re-election, Kurtulmuş will preside over Parliament for the next three years—barring an early election. His continued leadership promises both stability and momentum for key national reforms.
As Türkiye steps into a new phase, the Parliament under Kurtulmuş’s speakership is expected to navigate peace efforts, constitutional change, and democratic consolidation with renewed focus.
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