Turkish PM expected to seek presidential election

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party is widely expected to nominate him as a candidate for the country's first directly elected presidential race.

The move could keep him at Turkey's helm for at least five more years.

Erdogan has been power since 2003 and is barred by party rules from running as prime minister again. His candidacy is expected to be announced at a party meeting today.

Although the Turkish presidency is largely symbolic post, Erdogan has said he favours a system that gives the president more powers. He has suggested that if elected, he would fully use latent presidential powers, including the right to call Cabinet meetings.

The two-round elections are set for August 10 and 24. President Abdullah Gul's term ends August 28.