Bahceli was re-elected the chairman of the party, receiving all 1,277 registered votes.

Devlet Bahçeli has been the chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) since 6 July 1997.

An academic in economics at Gazi University in Ankara until 1987, he served as Deputy Prime Minister in the coalition government of Bülent Ecevit (1999–2002).

Elected in the province of Osmaniye, he has been an MP in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey since 22 July 2007.

Bahçeli is a major player in Turkey's current government, as his MHP supports Erdoğan's cabinet since 2018, with confidence and supply in the Grand National Assembly.

Bahçeli has been described as a kingmaker in Turkish politics.