The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has put forward State Minister Mehmet Ali Şahin, the former Minister of Justice, as candidate for speaker of parliament.

The main opposition parties had said that they would not put forward any candidates of their own if the current speaker, Köksal Toptan, were to continue for another term.

Five candidates

As this is not the case, the Republican People's Party (CHP) has nominated İlhan Kesici as candidate, while the National Movement Party (MHP) has put forward Münir Kutluata.

The Democratic Society Party has nominated Hasan Kaplan.

A fifth candidate is Kamer Genç, independent MP for Tunceli.

The first two rounds of voting will take place today, starting at 3 pm. The speaker will be elected first, and later members of the speaker's council will be voted for.

In the secret vote, 367 people, a two-third majority, need to vote for a candidate for either of the first two rounds to be conclusive.

For the third round, a simple majority of 276 votes would be sufficient. If such a number is not achieved, then there will be a fourth round with the two candidates that have the most votes. In this final round, the candidate with the most votes would be elected.

Criticism by opposition

Opposition parties have argued that the speaker should represent the whole of parliament, and have thus criticised the AKP for deciding on its candidate by itself.

Şahin has told journalists that he would act in an unbiased manner if he were elected. Toptan, whose term ends on 9 August, and who had himself expressed the wish to continue, said, "These offices are temporary. The fact that both people in the ruling and the opposition parties expressed their support for me is gratifying." (TK/AG)