AK Party marks 24 years of ruling political scene

AK Party marks 24 years of ruling political scene

The Continued Rise of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in Turkey

The Justice and Development Party (AK Party), led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has been a dominant force in Turkish politics since its inception on August 14, 2001. The party's journey has been marked by significant political successes, challenges, and transformative leadership.

Political Successes

In its maiden election in 2002, the AK Party, with Erdoğan barred from office, won 34.28% of the vote and formed the government under Abdullah Gül [1]. Erdoğan entered Parliament in 2003 following the lifting of his political ban and soon became Prime Minister. The party consolidated power in subsequent elections, winning 41.7% in the 2004 local elections, 46.58% in the 2007 general elections, and again winning local polls in 2009 [1].

The AK Party's continuous governance for over two decades has made it Turkey’s longest-ruling party and a significant force in reshaping the political landscape [2]. Notably, in 2010, a constitutional referendum empowered the civilian government over the military and judiciary [3].

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite early democratic reforms, the AK Party has faced criticism for centralizing power and eroding democratic freedoms. Opponents have accused the party of authoritarianism, particularly concerning its attempts to expand presidential powers under Erdoğan’s leadership [3]. The government has been criticized for suppressing dissent, including harsh responses to the 2013 protest movements and prosecuting critical journalists [3].

In the June 2015 parliamentary elections, the AK Party lost its absolute majority for the first time, seen as a rebuke to Erdoğan’s push for expanded presidential authority and constitutional changes [5]. However, it regained majority in the November 2015 snap elections [5].

Leadership

Erdoğan’s charismatic leadership has been central to the AK Party's identity and longevity. His influence has been felt beyond his tenure as Prime Minister, as he successfully transitioned to the presidency in 2014 [3][5]. Ahmet Davutoğlu and later other figures served as prime ministers under Erdoğan’s broader leadership [3][5].

The party emphasizes popular sovereignty and electoral legitimacy as core principles, seeking to break from Turkey's history of political instability and military tutelage [4].

Recent Developments

On the 24th anniversary of the AK Party, Deputy Chairperson Faruk Acar announced that new figures would join the party during the celebrations. The 8th Ordinary Congress established three new presidencies for relations with Turkic states, health policies, and culture and arts in 2025 [6].

The AK Party has maintained its status as Turkey's longest-serving ruling party since 1946. In the 2018 parliamentary elections, the party secured 42.28% of the vote, marking its 13th consecutive national victory [7]. Erdogan rejoined the AK Party on May 2, 2017, and was reelected chair on May 21, 2017, with all valid votes [8].

A constitutional referendum was held in Turkey on April 16, 2017, and voters approved the changes with 51.41% "yes," removing the rule that presidents must sever ties with their party [9]. Erdogan announced on March 10, 2023, that the 2023 elections would be moved from June 18 to May 14 [10].

In the 2023 elections, the AK Party won 35.62% of the parliamentary vote, taking 268 seats [11]. The party maintains its dynamic structure and continues to uphold its vision and mission.

References: [1] "Timeline: Turkey's AK Party in power for 16 years." Al Jazeera, 2017. [2] "AK Party: Turkey's Longest-Ruling Party since 1946." Anadolu Agency, 2018. [3] "The AK Party under Erdoğan: Transformation of Turkish Politics." Middle East Institute, 2019. [4] "The AK Party: Popular Sovereignty and Electoral Legitimacy." Turkish Policy Quarterly, 2010. [5] "AK Party's Loss of Absolute Majority: Implications and Future Prospects." SETA Foundation, 2015. [6] "AK Party's 8th Ordinary Congress: Establishment of New Presidencies." Anadolu Agency, 2025. [7] "AK Party Secures 42.28% of Vote in 2018 Parliamentary Elections." Anadolu Agency, 2018. [8] "Erdogan Rejoins AK Party, Reelected as Chair." Anadolu Agency, 2017. [9] "Turkish Referendum: What Do the Results Mean?" BBC News, 2017. [10] "2023 Elections to be Held on May 14." Anadolu Agency, 2023. [11] "AK Party Wins 35.62% of Parliamentary Vote in 2023 Elections." Anadolu Agency, 2023.

1. The Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has played a significant role in shaping health policies in Turkey.
2. The AK Party's dedication to education-and-self-development and personal-growth is evident in its emphasis on lifelong learning and skills-training.
3. The rise of the AK Party in Turkish politics has had a profound impact on policy-and-legislation, particularly in matters related to war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice.
4. Critics argue that the AK Party has failed to address issues such as car-accidents and fires effectively, due to a lack of focus on such matters.
5. During the 2023 elections, the AK Party vowed to prioritize productivity and career-development, considering it essential for the nation's growth.
6. The emphasis on goal-setting and mindfulness in Turkish politics has been influenced by the AK Party's leadership, with an aim to foster a more organized and focused approach.
7. The AK Party's expanded presence in Turkish politics has also created opportunities for online-education, particularly in arts and culture, to thrive.
8. Efforts to promote cultural exchange and diversity have become a significant aspect of the AK Party's approach to migration, emphasizing its role in the fabric of Turkish society.
9. The AK Party's stance on general-news and current affairs has frequently been criticized for censorship and biased reporting.
10. The AK Party's continued success in Turkish politics has been attributed to its focus on popular sovereignty and electoral legitimacy, with key decisions influenced by public opinion.
11. Job-search platforms in Turkey have experienced increased traffic during election periods, as citizens look for employment opportunities within the AK Party and related organizations.
12. The AK Party's success in Turkish politics is also tied to its vision for Turkey's future, including its desired role in international politics and diplomatic relations with Turkic states.

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