ISTANBUL — More than a dozen Turkish opposition lawmakers switched parties Sunday in a show of solidarity as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rivals scramble to challenge him in a surprise snap election that could solidify his rule. Officials from the pro-secular Republican People’s Party, or CHP, said 15 of its lawmakers would join the centre-right Iyi Party. The Iyi Party, established last fall, had faced eligibility issues before the early elections, including not having enough seats in parliament. As a result of the transfers from CHP, the Iyi Party, which means “Good Party,” now has 20 lawmakers in parliament, satisfying an eligibility requirement. Iyi Party founder Meral Aksener, a former interior minister, is considered a serious contender against Erdogan and has announced her candidacy.

Source: National Post April 22, 2018 11:26 UTC