Turkish President Erdogan moves up presidential and parliamentary elections to May 14.

On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the country's presidential and parliamentary elections would be held on May 14, a month earlier than previously scheduled. 

At a press conference, the President signed a presidential decree invoking Article 116 of the Turkish Constitution, which allows for the renewal of elections. 

The Supreme Election Board will commence a two-month election schedule following the decision's publication in the country's official gazette on Saturday. 

Erdogan explained that the decision was made due to university exams taking place on June 18, as well as the seasonal movements of Turkish citizens after schools are closed. 

Erdogan, who will run for the presidency as the People's Alliance candidate, will be challenged by Kemal Kilicdaroglu of the opposition Nation Alliance, composed of six parties.