ASSESSMENTS

In Turkey, a Different Kind of Presidential Vote

Apr 11, 2017 | 20:52 GMT

If Turkish voters reject proposed constitutional reforms in a referendum April 16, they will deal a blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's campaign to increase his authority. But either way, he will continue his quest for greater power.

(OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)

Since its founding in 2001, Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party has slowly amassed greater and greater power in the country. The party has won pluralities in every legislative election over the past 16 years, and today, it is Turkey's most influential political force. But for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, bringing the Parliament under the AKP's control was only a means to an end. The president's ultimate goal is to increase the executive branch's power....

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