May 01, 2017•Update: May 02, 2017
By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
ANKARA
Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party will hold an extraordinary congress to reelect President Recep Tayyip Erdogan chairman after a break of some three years, the party announced Monday.
Speaking to journalists after the AK Party's Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK) meeting Monday afternoon, Deputy Chairman Yasin Aktay said, "Today's meeting decided that the party will hold an extraordinary congress on May 21. We envision that the president will be our party's chairman."
Starting in 2001, Erdogan led the AK Party for 13 years but had to step aside when he became president in August 2014. An April 16 referendum changed the Constitution to allow the president to be a member of a political party.
Aktay also reiterated that the party will hold a meeting Tuesday to renew Erdogan's membership. He added that the party took the decision unanimously.
On May 21, the party will also elect a new Central Decision and Executive Board, as well as a new top management, Aktay said.
Following a Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said Erdogan's return to the party would "bring synergy" and motivate the voter base.
Kurtulmus said the AK Party sought consensus and participation of other political parties as the country prepares to adapt the constitutional amendments approved in a referendum last month that include a switch to a presidential system of government.
The minister also rejected rumors of a cabinet reshuffle.
*Fatma Bulbul contributed from Istanbul.
