Skip to main content

Will Erdogan postpone upcoming referendum?

The postponement of the constitutional referendum planned for April 16 would not be a surprising outcome.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - FEBRUARY 23: A man selling paintings packs up a print of Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he closes his stall for the day on February 23, 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkey will hold its constitutional referendum on April 16, 2017. Turks will vote on 18 proposed amendments to the Constitution of Turkey. The controversial changes seek to replace the parliamentary system and move to a presidential system which would give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan executive authority. Campaignin

The image of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chief of Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar sitting next to him is more expressive than anything else of the tremors involving the government and the military in Turkey. Dressed not in military fatigues but in an elegantly tailored civilian suit, Akar is a subservient-looking general — which has to be the case in any democratic regime, indeed — with a troubled look and a nervous expression on his face, reflecting the increasing unease in the higher echelons of power.

While the fateful date of April 16 — the day the constitutional amendments that could give Erdogan extraordinary executive powers and transform him into the "sultan president,” as many observers and his critics allege — approaches, the possibility of rejection by popular vote surprisingly increases.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.