Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is preparing to present the first draft of a new constitution to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, daily Milliyet reported on Monday.
The draft, chaired by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, has largely clarified its framework, with the final text expected to be completed after several more meetings, the report said.
A 10-member AKP commission tasked with drafting the constitution has reportedly determined the fundamental approach and main principles. If Erdoğan approves, detailed work on individual articles will begin.
The draft is expected to include fewer articles than the current constitution and is not expected to change its first three articles, which define Turkey as a republic, outline its characteristics, and specify the national anthem, capital, and official language.
Once finalised, the draft is likely to be discussed with parliamentary parties before being shared with the public.
The constitutional initiative coincides with the delivery of a parliamentary report on the government’s “terror-free Türkiye” project. The report, adopted by the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission, described drafting a new constitution as “a shared duty and responsibility that cannot be postponed for our country,” though officials said the two initiatives are not directly linked.
Officials cited by Milliyet added that any measures requiring constitutional amendments could be incorporated if political parties agree.
The İYİ (Good) Party remains the only major party boycotting the process and did not send representatives to the commission.
Erdoğan and the AKP have long criticised the current constitution, citing its origins in the 1980 military coup.
A new constitution would require the support of 400 lawmakers to pass parliament without a referendum. The AKP-led ruling bloc holds 322 seats, while the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has expressed hesitation over joint drafting.