Boosted by a booming economy and rising power on the world stage, Turkey's ruling Islamic-rooted party is expected to easily win parliamentary elections being held on Sunday.

Prime Minister's Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Justice and Development party now hopes to gain a crucial two-thirds majority in parliament, which would allow it to change the constitution.

AK party candidate Volkan Bozkir said Friday that a new constitution would enshrine the rights of minorities, such as the Kurds who have been fighting for autonomy in eastern Turkey.

But Mr. Erdogan's critics say that his political goal is to create a more presidential-style government with him in the lead.

And there are numerous claims that Mr. Erdogan already is abusing his power, as well as moving away from a secular state to a more conservative, Islamic one.

Opposition CHP Republican People's party candidate Oguz Kaan Salici, says the government is becoming increasingly intolerant.

He accuses the government of pressuring media groups, journalists and ordinary citizens critical of the government.