Former Supreme Court President Mehmet Akarca has been elected as the new Public Chief Inspector of Türkiye, securing 264 votes in the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).

Akarca will take over the role from outgoing Public Chief Inspector Şeref Malkoç, whose term will officially end on December 5.

The election took place after a series of votes within a mixed commission comprising members of the TBMM Petition Commission and the Human Rights Inquiry Commission. During the fourth and final round of voting on October 24, Akarca emerged as the candidate with an absolute majority, outpacing his fellow candidates Şinasi Yurdakul and Burhanettin Sağsöz. In the TBMM General Assembly’s fourth voting round, Akarca received 264 of the 276 votes cast, securing his new position.

Akarca is set to begin his duties on December 5, following the end of Malkoç’s term. Malkoç, first appointed by the TBMM General Assembly in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, has served two consecutive terms as Public Chief Inspector.

Akarca, a former Supreme Court President, previously ran for the Supreme Court Presidency but was defeated by Ömer Kerkez in the 37th round of voting. His appointment as Public Chief Inspector marks the beginning of a new chapter in his distinguished legal career. (ILKHA)