ANKARA - "There would probably be two parties at the new parliament (to be formed after general elections due on June 22nd). However a third party at the parliament would not be a surprise," Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said on Thursday at a program broadcast on private CNN Turk channel.
"I do not say yes, and I do not say no," he commented on whether he will run his candidacy for president in case the president is elected by people.
Arinc said, "I may think of using it if this is a right, and I may run my candidacy if circumstances warrant that day."
On the other hand, Arinc noted that it is legally possible for the parliament to continue its deliberations after May 31st, but it does not actually seem possible.
"In case the constitutional amendment bill is vetoed on May 26th, it may be discussed at the parliament again till the end of the month (May), but this is a weak possibility," he added.
The constitutional amendment bill envisages inclusion of names of independent candidates in the combined ballot papers in the general elections to be held on July 22nd.
According to the bill, general elections will be held once in every four years; the Higher Election Board will be authorized to determine rules of the presidential election; the president will be elected with popular vote; the presidential term will be lowered to five years; the president will be able to stand for re-election for a second term; and a quorum of at least one-third of total number of MPs will be required for parliamentary sessions.
The bill was submitted to the Presidential Office on May 11th.