Turkey will hold a referendum on a constitutional amendment package that aims to increase the executive power of the presidency in the summer of 2017, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim says.
The changes have been criticised by centrists and the left wing, who say it will further empower President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and weaken checks and balances by diminishing the role of parliament, among other things.
Erdogan insists the moves will bring stability.
Once parliament votes to put the matter to a referendum, one could be held just 60 days later, Yildirim said at a joint press conference on Thursday with Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).
Bahceli has been supportive of Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in recent months, amid speculation he could get the job of deputy president if the constitution is changed.
It is unclear if the rank and file of the MHP would support the referendum and there have been unsuccessful efforts to unseat Bahceli, who has ruled the party for nearly 20 years.
Analysts have said Erdogan would not put the changes to a vote without being certain he would win. A simple majority in a referendum is required to approve constitutional change.
The draft constitution has been given to Bahceli but not made public, though it is expected to be presented to parliament next week.
After a failed coup attempt by an army faction in July, Turkey has been in a state of emergency, which has placed huge executive power in Erdogan's hands.
