To play a constructive role regarding such challenges as bringing the Syrian civil war under control and deterring terrorism, it is essential for Turkey, as a major power in the region connecting Europe and the Middle East, to stabilize its domestic politics and foreign relations. Is the latest move a measure that can help the country accomplish these tasks?
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that the presidential and parliamentary elections, which were scheduled to be held in November 2019, will take place on June 24 this year. Taking into account such factors as the turmoil in Syria, the snap elections are purported to be aimed at developing a more powerful and efficient system.
In a national referendum held last April, constitutional amendments pushed forward by Erdogan were narrowly approved. With the amendments, the country is to switch from a parliamentary cabinet system to a presidential system, with the next president to be given such powers as the right to dissolve parliament and appoint ministers.
By moving the elections forward by more than a year, Erdogan seems to attempt to win reelection as president while his support rate remains strong, and to gain broad powers and secure the foundations for his continued administration.
The Turkish economy was in good shape last year, with its gross domestic product posting a 7.4 percent increase year-on-year, but this year it is expected to slow down.
The possibility of Erdogan's support declining has also been pointed out, due to the public's increasing weariness with war as a result of the protracted military conflict with Kurdish forces in northern Syria.
Ensure fair voting
It is problematic that it is highly likely the next elections will be held under the declaration of a state of emergency. The opposition parties have unanimously opposed this, calling for the state of emergency to be lifted.
The state of emergency was declared following a coup attempt by some of the Turkish armed forces in July 2016, and has been extended repeatedly. The police are empowered to detain people without warrants, and a large-scale crackdown on the opposition forces and the media continues.
Unless Erdogan guarantees an environment for holding a fair election, ultimately criticism will only grow, both at home and abroad, regarding his high-handed politics. It will also prove detrimental to the stability of his administration.
Another cause for concern is that it has become conspicuous that Turkey has moved closer to Russia in its foreign policy.
Erdogan held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin early this month and both leaders agreed to promote the joint production and technological transfer of Russia's S-400 ground-to-air missile systems.
Turkey is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Amid the deteriorating relations between Europe and the United States on one side and Russia on the other side over the Syrian situation and other developments, Turkey must not demolish the solidarity of NATO.
It is also vital for Turkey to cooperate with Western European countries in dealing with terrorism, including that of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant group, and with the refugee issue.
Many Japanese companies have entered the Turkish market, and bilateral negotiations on an economic partnership agreement are also continuing. By making use of their favorable relationship, Japan should make approaches to Turkey to stabilize its political situation.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 24, 2018)
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