Türkiye enters 2007 facing both a presidential election and a general election, with the presidential contest expected to dominate political attention in the early months of the year. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has resisted pressure to hold general elections first, preferring to secure the presidency while it still commands a parliamentary majority.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is widely expected to seek the presidency but has not formally declared his candidacy and is unlikely to do so before April. His decision will shape the dynamics of both votes.
On the center left, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is focused on the November parliamentary elections and is not pursuing an alliance with smaller leftist parties, though it has left open the possibility of a merger with the Democratic Left Party (DSP). The DSP, however, prefers an alliance arrangement rather than a full merger.
On the center right, the True Path Party (DYP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) each insist they can win on their own. Meanwhile, Motherland Party (ANAP) leader Erkan Mumcu has signaled interest in a possible merger with the DYP, and observers are waiting to see how DYP leader Mehmet Agar responds.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in January 2007, in its own words.