All eyes on the CHP ordinary congress: Notable changes are coming

The long-awaited 39th Ordinary Congress of the CHP begins tomorrow at the Ankara Arena Sports Hall. The congress, which will be held under the slogan "Now is the Time for Power," will feature critical topics ranging from the renewal of the party program to the determination of the new administration.

THREE-DAY CONGRESS SCHEDULE

The congress will be held on November 28-29-30. On the first day, the party program to be submitted for the approval of the delegates will be voted on, and the CHP's program will be renewed for the first time in 17 years.

Chairman Özgür Özel is expected to run unopposed in the chairmanship election to be held on Saturday. On Sunday, a critical election will be held for the 60-member Party Assembly. Over 1,300 delegates will cast their votes throughout the three-day process.

ÖZEL HAS HALTED ALL HIS PROGRAMS

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel has devoted all his focus to the formation of the new Party Assembly ahead of the congress. It is stated that Özel, who has not attended any programs this week, including the group meeting, will base the new administration on expertise, experience, energy, and geographical balance.

It is noted that many different names are being discussed for the Party Assembly (PM) in party corridors.

The most anticipated part of the congress will be the PM election to be held on Sunday. While it is considered certain that Özel will be re-elected as chairman, the expectation of a comprehensive change in the Party Assembly is noteworthy.

In internal party evaluations, the necessity of a strong, experienced, and dynamic administration is being voiced as the party enters the election atmosphere.

PREPARATION OF A KEY LIST

The "blanket list" (çarşaf liste) method will be applied in the PM election. It is rumored that Özel will prepare a "key list" consisting of names he plans to include in the PM. It is being evaluated that the list could consist of exactly 60 people, or it could be organized as an 80-person list to offer delegates a wider range of options.

It is stated that the intra-party opposition is not preparing an alternative to this list.

It is stated that the increasing pressure of political judiciary is an important criterion in the shaping of the new PM. In this context, increasing the number of deputies in the Party Assembly due to the advantage of parliamentary immunity is being evaluated.

EXPERTISE AND GEOGRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION WILL COME TO THE FORE

The PM list is expected to consist of names known for their expertise in fields such as foreign policy, economy, constitution, media, and agriculture.

Furthermore, it is aimed to include more representatives from the eastern and southeastern provinces in the PM. Thus, the party's geographical balance will be strengthened.

NAMES WHO JOINED CHP FROM THE RIGHT ARE ON THE AGENDA

The entry of some names into the PM who joined the CHP from right-wing parties that formed an alliance with the CHP in the last elections is also among the topics discussed in the corridors.

Cem Avşar, Evrim Rızvanoğlu, Salih Uzun, Serkan Özcan, and Bahadır Erdem are among the prominent names in this context. It is stated that some of these names may also take part in the shadow cabinet structure of the Presidential Candidate Office.

STATUS OF EXPERIENCED NAMES IS UNCERTAIN

It has not been clarified whether experienced names who have served for many years, such as Seyit Torun, Bülent Tezcan, and Engin Altay, will take part in the administration in the new term. It is evaluated that the party is entering a difficult process, and therefore experience and energy must be found together.

One of the claims discussed before the congress was whether Muharrem İnce, who returned to the CHP after closing the Homeland Party (Memleket Partisi), would enter the PM. However, sources close to Özel state that they do not expect İnce to be in the Party Assembly this term.

Rumors that Dilek İmamoğlu will enter the PM are also not considered realistic by the party management.

SHADOW CABINET STRUCTURE IS CHANGING

Structural changes will also be on the agenda at the congress. Accordingly, it is planned that the Shadow Cabinet will now work within the Presidential Candidate Office. For this reason, it is expected that Shadow Cabinet members will not serve in both the PM and the Central Executive Board (MYK).

In addition, it is foreseen that the number of MYK members will be reduced to a maximum of 15.

YOUTH QUOTA IS BEING REORGANIZED

The CHP's youth quota will be maintained at 25 percent. However, changes are planned in the age distribution.

There is a focus on giving a more limited quota to the 18-25 age range and a wider quota to young people over 25. It is stated that this change will be incorporated into the party charter.