Turkish party to confirm Erdogan\\\'s successor

Turkey's ruling party convened on Wednesday to confirm Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu as its new chairman and prime minister-designate, to replace Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he becomes president - a position he has pledged to transform from a ceremonial post to one of real power. Erdogan hand-picked his stalwart ally to succeed him and the 55-year old is standing unopposed for chairman of the Justice and Development Party at its extraordinary congress. Erdogan, Turkey's first popularly elected President who is to be sworn in Thursday. Davutoglu is expected to play a largely backseat role, allowing Erdogan - who has dominated Turkish politics for over a decade - to keep a grip on the running of the country. Although the office of president is mainly ceremonial, Erdogan has said he will activate its seldom-used powers, such as summoning, and presiding over Cabinet meetings.Erdogan told delegates that he would appoint Davutoglu to form the new government immediately after his inauguration ceremony and that a new government would be in place by Friday, according to AP.