From the Transformation of Turkey’s Political Fault Lines to the Construction of a New Political Center

Turkey’s election-fatigued public will cast their ballots in a pivotal general election on June 7, 2015. Even a cursory look at what is at stake in this election reveals that its outcome will have significant ramifications for Turkish politics. The adoption of a new constitution, the changing of Turkey’s political system, and the evolution of the Kurdish peace process are just some of the issues that will be considerably affected by this election result. In addition, the run up to the election has also brought to light some major and long-term transformations that Turkey’s political scene has experienced: the transformation of Turkey’s political fault lines, the repositioning of Kurdish politics and its implications for the governing AKParty and Turkish politics at large, and the formation of a new political center. Irrespective of the election outcome, these developments will have major mid- to long-term impacts on Turkey’s political scene.