Turkish PM rules out early parliamentary election

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

ANKARA, March 1 (Reuters) Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed in an interview broadcast today that Turkey's parliamentary election would take place on schedule ''in October or November'' and dismissed pressure to bring the date forward.

Turkish media, opposition politicians and some investors have speculated that Erdogan might hold the election as early as June or July in order to remove uncertainty they say could harm the economy and political stability.

''The elections will be held in October or November. Our government wants to prove that Turkey can be governed for a full five year term ... The election campaign will start in July,'' Erdogan told CNN Turk television.

Erdogan's centre-right AK Party swept to power in November 2002 for a five-year term and has presided over strong economic growth, human rights reforms and the launch of European Union entry talks.

Erdogan said a recent opinion poll showed an increase in support for his AK Party. He said it showed only it and the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) would win enough votes to cross the 10 per cent threshold to enter parliament.

His comments were reinforced by another poll published in today's Aksam newspaper, which gave the AK Party 31 percent support and the CHP 13 percent. Other parties were not seen passing the 10 percent threshold.

Turkey's parliament, where the AK Party enjoys a big majority, is also due to elect a new head of state in May.

Tensions between the government and Turkey's secularist establishment, including the influential military, have been rising in recent months. The secularists fear Erdogan, who has Islamist roots, will run for the presidency.

Today, Erdogan again declined to say whether he would run for the top job, saying his party would announce its candidate on April 16.

Many Turkish businessmen and some AK Party activists have urged him to stay on as prime minister to continue the economic reforms.

Investors are worried about increased political tensions in Turkey if Erdogan becomes president.

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