Erdogan to run for Turkey presidency
15:09, 1 July 2014
ANKARA. KAZINFORM - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will run for Turkish president in the election in August, his governing AK Party has confirmed.
The announcement was greeted with loud applause by party members at a meeting in the capital, Ankara.
Mr Erdogan, in office since 2003, is barred from seeking a new term as PM.
Turkey's president was previously chosen by parliament. The largely ceremonial office is being strengthened ahead of the first direct poll, BBC informs.
In April, President Abdullah Gul ruled out a job swap with Mr Erdogan when his term ends.
The AKP has won six consecutive elections, at national and local level, maintaining a solid base of support among the working class and religious people.