Presidential elections in Turkish political life

The republic of Turkey has witnessed 19 presidental elections from 1923, the foundation of the republic, to 2012. While the presidents were elected by the parliament in 18 of the elections, the presidental election in 1980 remained inconclusive. Kenan Evren became the president by the ratification of the 1982 Constitution as a result of constitutional referendum in 1982.The 1921 Constitution provisions were effective in the first presidental election held on the declaration day of the republic. 10 presidental elections were held during the period of the 1924 Constitution, while 4 presidental elections were held during the 1961 Constitution and 4 presidental elections were held during the 1982 Constitution. In the three times, The others were each elected once. elections, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and İsmet İnönü were elected four times, Celal Bayar was electedAlthough presidents have limited power and responsibility in parliamentary systems, government traditions and reflexes in Turkey have profoundly effected the viewpoint to the presidential office. Thus, external factors such as notably the armed forces, the press, the judicial bureaucracy and the capital have been influential on the presidental elections in Turkey. Therefore, the process of the presidental elections includes all parts of political life in Turkey. It is not possible to understand the presidental elections in Turkey without referring the international systems, the world order, internal political and economic developments. Accordingly, this study outlines the brief political history of the Republic of Turkey within the frame of internal and external developments. In addition to the presidental elections; general elections for parliament, municipality and senate; and also referendums are included in the study.The study examines the presidental elections in the constitutions, required qualifications for presidents, term of office of the president, how many times a president can be elected, conditions of nomination, amount of votes needed. Besides, the minutes of oath-taking ceremonies and addresses of thanks taken from the records of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey are situated in the study.Key WordsThe presidental elections, The Republic of Turkey, Presidency, Election, Elections in Turkey, Politics, Army, Political Parties, Political Life, Political Culture.