The Turkish Supreme Board of Elections has announced that a constitutional referendum will be held on April 16. Turkish media reported that the referendum will propose an 18-article amendment to the Turkish Constitution that has been long sought by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and its founder, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to the reports, if the Turkish people approve the changes, Erdogan will become the sole executive head of state, with the authority to choose his own cabinet ministers, enact laws, call elections, and declare states of emergency. His presidential term will last five years and he can be reelected once, meaning Erdogan could be in power until 2029, if his current term is not taken into account. Erdogan claims that the legislation will provide stability, but his critics say it will put too much power in the hands of one individual and could pave the way to an authoritarian state.
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