The emphasis on a "new constitution," coupled with the "final report" of the commission established in parliament within the scope of the process, has mobilised political circles.

In AKP circles, it is being discussed that the report is not merely a recommendation text but has been transformed into a framework that will form the "backbone" of the constitutional draft. It is stated that the draft is ready to be presented to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

According to a report by Merve Kılıç from Cumhuriyet, the words of Numan Kurtulmuş, which were also included in the report, have turned eyes towards the preparations: "While the issue of preparing a new constitution is not within the mandate of our commission, it stands before us as an undeferrable common task and responsibility to be fulfilled for our country. Following the commission's work, it is evident that there is a need for a more democratic, civil, libertarian, participatory, and inclusive new constitution."

The process report will guide its spirit

It is stated that the AKP has accelerated the new constitution work it has been conducting behind closed doors for a long time. Sources close to the party leadership evaluate that "the text is largely completed, and the political framework is becoming clear." According to backstage information, the draft is not just a technical text; it contains a structure aimed at transforming the political consensus ground formed under the heading of the "process" into a constitutional guarantee. Party officials state that the report will not be directly referenced in the constitutional text but will function as the "fundamental document that will guide the spirit of the constitution."

Opposition remains cautious

The approach of the CHP and DEM Party fronts will be decisive. AKP sources are of the opinion that "the doors are not completely closed." However, in opposition circles, a cautious approach prevails, suggesting that the "process" heading could be used to create a ground of legitimacy for constitutional change. Opposition representatives state that the discussions on a strengthened parliamentary system and how the principle of the separation of powers will be handled will be decisive. In this context, it is noted that the constitutional draft will be tested not only by its content but also by its method of preparation. It is stated that the İYİ Party, which has displayed a stance against the process from the beginning and did not take part in the commission, will also close its doors on the issue of constitutional change.

'Declaration' was prepared

AKP Deputy Chairman Hayati Yazıcı stated in a declaration on 20 February that they would approach political parties not with a "modularised study" on the "new constitution," but with a "declaration that also determines the AKP's roadmap regarding constitution-making."

Yazıcı, who is also a member of the AKP's "Constitution Commission," said that they have held over 20 meetings so far and that the work will be presented to President Tayyip Erdoğan in the form of an "executive summary."

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Is a ‘new constitution’ possible according to parliamentary arithmetic?

For a constitutional amendment, firstly, one-third of the total number of seats in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) (600), namely 200 MPs, must submit a written proposal. For this proposal to be accepted in Parliament, the approval of at least three-fifths of the total number of members, namely 360 MPs, is required. If the amendment goes before the President with the approval of between 360 and 399 MPs, he cannot approve it directly; he must either send it back or have it published in the Official Gazette to be submitted to a referendum. However, if at least two-thirds of the total number of members, namely at least 400 MPs, approve the proposal, in this case, the President's power of direct approval arises.

In surveys in recent months, support for the People's Alliance has been hovering around 40 per cent. For this reason, the possibility of achieving success in a referendum is seen as weak. The aim of the political power is to reach at least 400 "yes" votes in order to realise the goal of constitutional amendment directly with the approval of Parliament and the President.

Current seat distribution

The AKP, which won 268 seats in the 2023 general elections, has increased its number of MPs by focusing on transfers from İYİP, Gelecek, and YRP in the intervening period and continues its initiatives in this regard. As of 3 January 2026, the distribution in the TBMM is as follows:

Party	Seats
AKP	272
MHP	47
CHP	138
DEM Party	56
İYİP	29
Saadet	9
DEVA	9
Gelecek / YRP / HÜDA PAR	4 each
TİP	3
EMEP	2
DBP	2
DSP / DP	1 each
Independents	11
Vacant Seats	8

 

How many more votes does the People's Alliance need?

Since Speaker of the Parliament Numan Kurtulmuş does not have the right to vote, the AKP's vote count remains at 271. MHP has 47, HÜDA PAR has 4, and DSP has 1 vote. Hasan Basri Sönmez, İsmail Akgül, and Mustafa Demir, who were forced to resign from the MHP in November 2024 following allegations of 'gold smuggling', are counted among the independent MPs. Adding these three votes, the vote count of the People's Alliance reaches 326.

If the DEM Party and DBP, who are parties to the 'process', support the constitutional amendment with all their MPs, the number of votes rises to 384. For acceptance without a referendum, 16 more votes are needed. However, constitutional amendment votes are held by secret ballot, and there is a possibility of defections. For this reason, the People's Alliance aims to reach 5-10 more than 400 to minimise this risk.

Tendencies of the parties

The tendency of the People's Alliance is clear. In the 'process' report of the DEM Party, whose attitude is of critical importance, it was stated that "The resolution of the Kurdish issue (...) opens the way for a holistic new democratic constitution" and "The Kurdish problem will ultimately be resolved with a new, democratic, and pluralist constitution." Demands were made to change Articles 42 (education in mother tongue), 66 (definition of citizenship), and 127 (administrative tutelage) of the Constitution, and for the preamble to be rewritten with peace-oriented language. Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan stated in November 2025, "The Constitution is not on our agenda yet. When it comes to the agenda, we would of course participate in a democratic, egalitarian constitutional discussion."

The CHP has closed the door on discussions, saying "A constitution cannot be made with those who do not recognise the Constitution." EMEP and TİP are similarly clearly opposed to any constitutional amendment proposal from the current political power. DEVA Party Leader Ali Babacan asks, "How can we take the new constitution efforts of a government that does not comply with the current Constitution seriously?" while Gelecek Party and YRP express openness to a civil constitution but set conditions regarding authoritarianism and term limits for the President. İYİP Leader Müsavat Dervişoğlu states they will not support any change that strengthens "one-man rule."