Özgür Özel names a candidate for the first time and explains his criteria: 'If İmamoğlu cannot run...'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel made notable statements regarding his party's presidential candidate. Özel stated that the candidate selection process would be based on poll results and that this data would play a decisive role in determining the candidate who can win.

Emphasizing that Ekrem İmamoğlu's candidacy will become clear with the conclusion of the diploma cancellation case, Özel said, “İmamoğlu's candidacy process carries a cost. However, it would not be right to put forward a new candidate without holding President Erdoğan accountable for this cost.”

Özgür Özel stated that Ekrem İmamoğlu being in prison and the ongoing process regarding his diploma create certain difficulties for his candidacy. Bringing İmamoğlu's situation back to the agenda, Özel said, “Even if he is inside, our candidate is Mayor Ekrem. As long as his diploma is returned.” Özel expressed that as long as İmamoğlu's candidacy process is not concluded, their priority remains İmamoğlu.

Stating that in a possible scenario where İmamoğlu cannot run, 7 important criteria will come to the fore in determining the CHP's presidential candidate, Özel listed the following points:

A name who can defeat Erdoğan,

Someone who can get their friends out of prison if they are imprisoned,

A candidate who can return Turkey to democracy,

A name who will ensure the transition to a parliamentary system,

Must possess the ability to govern popularly,

A candidate whom society will trust,

A capable leader.

Özgür Özel stated that if Mansur Yavaş were to emerge as a presidential candidate, this would be shaped based on social demands and poll data.

Emphasizing that Yavaş's candidacy process would be determined by public support rather than personal preferences, Özel stated that if Yavaş has a high probability of winning in the polls, he would be nominated.

"IT WOULD NEVER CROSS MY MIND TO STAND IN HIS WAY"

Regarding Mansur Yavaş's candidacy process, Özel said, “Once Mr. Mansur wants it, once society wants it. Polls are looked at. If he is winning in the polls by a clear margin, whoever is winning, we will make them the candidate. If Mansur Yavaş is that candidate, it would never cross my mind to stand in his way,” pointing out that no obstacles would be placed in Yavaş's path.