Call and warning to Kılıçdaroğlu from former CHP leader: 'Kemal Bey's course of action in this incident...'

Following the Ankara Regional Court of Justice's ruling of absolute nullity in the case concerning the CHP convention, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu was brought to the head of the party.

While the absolute nullity ruling and subsequent developments remain at the center of the agenda, Kılıçdaroğlu had stated after the court decision that he would adopt a unifying attitude and that they would manage the process together.

However, former chairman Hikmet Çetin maintained a distance from Kılıçdaroğlu's approach and expressed his support for Özgür Özel. Similarly, Murat Karayalçın stated that he had attempted to communicate with Kılıçdaroğlu following the court ruling but received no response.

“I called him on the number I always use, but unfortunately, I could not reach him.”

Speaking to Gazete Oksijen, Karayalçın noted in his assessment of the developments that party officials and members must listen to social reactions, stating, “Our party officials need to listen to the street; they need to receive this message.” Referring to the mass march held in Ankara last Sunday, he emphasized that the message coming from the grassroots is crucial for the party leadership.

Stating that he wanted to meet with both Özgür Özel and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu during the crisis period, Karayalçın said he only received a positive response from Özel. He expressed his inability to reach Kılıçdaroğlu by phone by saying, “Kemal Bey's course of action in this incident saddens me.”

CONVENTION PROCESS AND LEGAL DEBATES

Addressing the ongoing convention debates within the CHP, Karayalçın emphasized that the uncertainty in the party must be ended as soon as possible. Stating that the court decision is contrary to the established customs of election law in Turkey, Karayalçın continued his criticism by saying, “Our certificates of election are issued by the Supreme Election Council, but this time the judiciary intervened and affected the election processes. This is an unacceptable practice.”

Underlining that the convention process must be initiated immediately, Karayalçın warned that otherwise, the party could face a 'liquidation' process. “We are not a party that will be thrown into disarray by the decision of a few judges. This is an unfair, wrong decision. The way for us to overcome this is to go to a convention as soon as possible.”

Furthermore, pointing to the risk of a possible 'snap election,' Karayalçın stated that the ruling party could turn such moments of crisis to its advantage, and that the prolongation of the convention process would put pressure on the opposition's election preparations.

Sharing his views on the risk of division within the party, Karayalçın stated, “I am worried that if we divide once, we will not be able to recover. I think this will cause great harm to the party and to social democracy,” adding that the protection of the CHP's identity and integrity must be a 'red line.' However, he also underscored the need to provide more confidence to society regarding the party's cadres.

"IF THERE IS A SIGN OF LIQUIDATION, A NEW PARTY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED"

Emphasizing that he finds the communication between Özgür Özel and the masses to be strong, Karayalçın said, “I see a strong vibration between Özgür Bey and the masses,” and pointed out that this energy could pave the way for a new political movement. Another important emphasis was his indication that if the policy of liquidation and exclusion within the party is pursued, new formations would be inevitable, stating, “If there is a sign of liquidation, a new party should be considered.”

Touching upon the importance of intra-party democracy, the former chairman expressed that the next presidential candidate should be determined with the participation of the members, stating that this would be in line with the CHP's history and democratic traditions.

News Source: 12punto