CHP primary set for March 23: The winning candidate will lead alliance negotiations

The CHP is heading to a primary election on March 23 to determine its presidential candidate. As election preparations continue within the party, it has been learned that the candidate will conduct negotiations with other political parties once selected. 

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel announced the primary date during the latest parliamentary group meeting, stating that the process will be conducted within a democratic framework.

While eyes are on Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş, whose names have been mentioned for candidacy, Yavaş has announced that he will not participate in the primary.

20 MP SIGNATURES REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PRIMARY 

The CHP primary will be held using sealed ballots at polling stations to be established in provincial and district centers. Those wishing to become candidates will be required to obtain the signatures of at least 20 members of parliament.

Party officials stated that the primary process would not decrease participation, noting, "Our base wants success and will choose the name embraced by society. In the primaries we held during the previous local elections, the poll results aligned with the election results. A similar process will take place here as well."

PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM TO BE ON THE AGENDA

While it is stated that the election campaign will gain momentum after the candidate is determined, party officials expressed that the parliamentary system remains among the CHP's primary goals and that this issue will be emphasized during the election process.

With the start of the primary process, provincial chairs will be briefed at a meeting to be held in Ankara. Details regarding how the process will function and the candidate selection method will be shared.

THE DOOR TO ALLIANCES WILL NOT BE CLOSED

CHP officials stated that they disagree with claims that selecting a candidate through a primary would hinder alliances, issuing the following statement:

“As the CHP, we are determining our own candidate. However, this does not mean we will not talk to other parties. With the right candidate, the right policy, and an effective campaign, we can reach a broad base of voters.”

“We are not excluding anyone. We will remain in dialogue with all parties that want to see this government change. However, we will determine our candidate through the preference of our members. By opening the process to the public, we have adopted a more transparent method.”

It was learned that CHP Chairman Özgür Özel also explained during his meetings yesterday with the leaders of the DEVA Party and the Democrat Party that the primary decision does not close the door to alliances. Within party circles, it was stated that after the primary process is completed, the CHP's presidential candidate will continue contacts with other political parties.