The opposition in Turkey has announced it has collected over 10 million signatures as part of its campaign demanding early presidential elections. The announcement was made by the head of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, during a rally in the Black Sea city of Samsun, as reported by Halk TV.

“As of Saturday evening, the number of signatures in favor of early elections has exceeded 10 million. However, we have a broader goal, and together we will achieve it,” said the opposition leader.

The signature drive began on March 30 in the Black Sea city of Trabzon, the hometown of jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. At the time, the CHP stated its goal of collecting 28 million signatures — slightly more than the number of votes President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received in the May 2023 election.

Although the next presidential election in Turkey is scheduled for 2028, the opposition insists on holding it earlier. On March 23, the CHP held a primary in which more than 14.8 million people backed İmamoğlu as a candidate.

Speaking again at the rally in Samsun, Özel reiterated his call for early elections and sharply criticized the government, calling it «a junta that does not represent the state and the people». Previously, the Ankara Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation against him on charges of insulting President Erdoğan.

İstanbul’s opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained on March 19 on charges of corruption and links to terrorist groups. He was formally arrested by court order on March 23. This triggered a wave of protests across the country, with major demonstrations taking place in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The CHP has pledged to organize weekly protest actions in different parts of Turkey.