Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, hinted on Wednesday that he planned to schedule the next general election for May 14.
The official date for the upcoming general election in Turkey is June 18.
However, officials have been making hints for weeks that they would move forward the election due to religious vacations and school finals.
In a speech to his ruling party, Erdogan recalled the day in 1950 when modern-day Turkey had its first free election.
Adnan Menderes, a prime minister who was overthrown by a military dictatorship in 1960 and executed a year later, won that election on May 14.
Throughout his two decades of leadership as president and prime minister, Erdogan has frequently compared himself to Menderes.
Erdogan stated in broadcast remarks, “The late Menderes proclaimed on May 14, 1950 ‘enough, the people will have their say’ and emerged victorious at the ballot box.”
“73 years from now, on the same day, our people will respond to the (opposition),” the statement reads.
Erdogan’s support ratings are suffering as a result of a year-long economic crisis that caused inflation to reach 85% as he heads into the election.
But the opposition is still unable to agree on a single candidate to put forward for the election.
The polls will also put Erdogan’s hold on the legislature in jeopardy.
A far-right party whose support has declined over the past few years is currently in an agreement with his ruling party.
Moments after Erdogan’s statements, emerging market economist and longtime Turkey observer Timothy Ash tweeted, “Tough election to call – seems as though momentum is back with Erdogan.”