Numan Kurtulmuş has been re-elected as the President of the Grand National Assembly.

Turkey’s Grand National Assembly Elects New Speaker: Numan Kurtulmuş Returns

The  Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM)  convened under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker  Bekir Bozdağ  to elect the Speaker for the second term of the 28th legislative session. This election garnered significant attention, as multiple candidates are vying for a role pivotal to Turkey’s governance.

Rival Candidates Emerge

The main candidates for the post included  Numan Kurtulmuş  from the Justice and Development Party (AKP),  Uğur Bayraktutan  from the Republican People’s Party (CHP),  Osman Cengiz Çandar  from the Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA),  Mustafa Cihan Paçacı  from the Good Party (İYİ Parti), and  Mehmet Karaman  from the New Way Party. Notably,  Atay Uslu , the AKP candidate from Antalya, withdrew before voting began.


Multiple Ballots Needed

In the first voting round, out of  549 votes  cast, Kurtulmuş received  305  votes, while Bayraktutan garnered  122 . However, none achieved the necessary  400 votes to secure the presidency , leading to a second ballot.


During the second round,  543 members  participated, yielding similar outcomes: Kurtulmuş accumulated  306 votes , while his competitors failed to reach the magic number yet again, setting the stage for a third election round.

Kurtulmuş Triumphant in Third Round

The third round saw  529 members  take part, with Kurtulmuş finally securing  329 votes , well above the required simple majority of  301 . His victory solidified his return as Speaker of the TBMM.


In his acceptance speech, Kurtulmuş thanked the parliamentarians for their trust and noted the  historical importance  of addressing issues such as  terrorism  and the collective responsibility they hold towards creating a peaceful future for succeeding generations.

Addressing Turkey’s Pressing Issues

In the General Assembly, Kurtulmuş emphasized the  “Terror-Free Turkey”  initiative as Turkey’s most pressing issue. He expressed hope that through democratic dialogue and collaboration, the assembly could successfully tackle this longstanding challenge.

He indicated the urgency for the parliament to develop a  transparent , inclusive, and effective legislative framework. He stated, “Politics requires both competition and negotiation; we must discuss divergent views under one roof to meet our responsibilities to the nation.”


Kurtulmuş also highlighted the vital need for a  new constitution  to guide Turkey through its next century, advocating for a legal framework that embodies democratic values and encompasses diverse perspectives.

Support from Important Figures

Following his election, several prominent political figures extended their congratulations.  President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan  publicly commended Kurtulmuş on social media, recognizing his role in leading the assembly.

Kurtulmuş also expressed gratitude toward Erdoğan for the support he received during the election process, further reinforcing the bonds within the ruling coalition.

The excitement surrounding the election is reflected in not only the pledges made by the new Speaker but also by the collective enthusiasm for progress within Turkey’s political landscape. The assembly now looks forward to a session marked by collaboration, open dialogue, and substantial legislative accomplishments.

Amidst challenges, the TBMM strives to represent the will of the people, adapting its framework to facilitate discussion and decision-making that resonates with all citizens. The return of  Numan Kurtulmuş  promises a focus on unity and responsibility, central to overcoming obstacles on Turkey’s path forward.