Turkey moves towards popular vote for president

ANKARA, May 5 (Reuters) A parliament committee approved a constitutional amendment today to allow the public instead of parliament to elect the president, Anatolian agency reported, a move which could dramatically change Turkish politics.

The constitutional amendment, backed by the ruling AK Party and the opposition ANAP, envisages the president elected by popular vote for a five year mandate for a maximum of two terms.

Currently, parliament elects the president for a single seven-year term.

Barring any last minute legal challenges, the reform package is expected to be approved by the AK Party-controlled parliament in the coming days.

The next president could be elected by popular vote later this year, possibly at the same time as July 22 general polls, AK Party officials say. The popular vote would give the president greater authority in the European Union-applicant country.

But the move could raise tensions further between the Islamist-rooted government and the secularist establishment, including the powerful armed forces.

REUTERS SG PM1800