Erdogan’s pursuit of omnipotence

President Erdogan is running for a second presidential term, but the job description is entirely different this time.

Arguing that the parliamentary system has failed to stabilize Turkey, he asked his supporters in 2017 to back his pursuit of executive presidency.

Critics responded that the checks and balances provided by the parliament and judiciary are essential to prevent a “one-man rule” in the country.

Erdogan won the referendum by a narrow margin (51.4 to 48.6 per cent).

With the constitutional amendments taking effect with the elections today, the president will be able to:

• form the government and appoint vice presidents, ministers and top bureaucrats
• retain the political leadership of the party and handpick MPs
• appoint members to the Judges and Prosecutors Council
• issue decrees with the force of law
• decide on security policies
• prepare the budget
• dissolve parliament and call for double elections

Other presidential candidates have promised to reverse the amendments and return to the parliamentary system.