Turkish ruling AK Party has submitted a package of constitutional reform proposals to parliament. The move comes with hopes of expanding the powers of the president. A position that is largely ceremonial, the proposals look to change that into a powerful and executive-like presidency, similar to the ones in the United States or France.

AKP lawmakers have met with their counterparts from the Nationalist Movement Party, to seek their support for the proposals. Any constitutional changes in the country need the support of at least 330 deputies in the 550-seat assembly in order for it to be pushed to a referendum.

The AKP has 316 seats, while the MHP has 39. The submitted proposals plan to hold the referendum next May, and then presidential and parliamentary elections in 2019. If Erdogan wins the presidential election, he could potentially serve two five-year terms, staying in power until 2029.