Turkish PM rules out snap elections on agenda

ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Tuesday that snap elections are not on the government's agenda, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

On comments that Turkey could opt for early elections, Yildirim stressed general elections will be held in 2019 as planned, describing rumors "as efforts to create concerns about Turkey's stability."

The constitutional amendments will be taken to referendum once approved, which will take place in early April, he said.

Turkish Parliament on Sunday concluded the first round of voting on all 18 articles of the constitutional amendment package which shifts from the current parliamentary system to an executive presidential system.

The second round of voting on constitutional reform package is expected to be held on Jan 18.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) aims to approve all 18 articles by Jan 21.

The prime minister said he expects "no surprise" in the second round of parliamentary voting on constitutional amendments and the package will be approved.

"Following the approval of the parliament, we will explain the new articles to our citizens (during the referendum period) and then we will continue on our way," Yildirim said.

The constitutional amendment package will grant excessive powers to the president while abolishing the position of the prime minister.