It marked a first in Turkish politics as the head of state is able to formally retain links with a political party in line with recently approved constitutional changes.
Erdogan had chaired the AKP for 13 years from 2001 but had to step aside when he was elected president in August 2014, as the constitution prevented presidents from being affiliated with a political party on the grounds of the impartiality of the president. He was replaced first by former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and then Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım.
Yıldırım will leave the chairmanship of the AKP just before May 21 and the party will elect Erdogan as the new chair. The constitutional amendment that was approved by the April 16 referendum paves the way for the president to retain membership of a party, as the amendment removed the provision blocking the party affiliation.
President Erdogan rejoins ruling AKP
02 May 2017
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a membership form to rejoin the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on May 2, returning to the party three years after he was elected president.
