Possibility of a new party stirs CHP voters: How is the support for Özgür Özel?

As activity continues on the political agenda, a recent survey conducted by the Istanbul Economics Research company has shed light on the potential landscape that could emerge if Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel were to leave the party and form a new one. The results of the study show that nearly two-thirds of the CHP base could lend their support to a party founded by Özel in such a scenario.

The survey was conducted with a total of 2,000 participants across 26 provinces. As part of the study, voter trends were examined in the event that Özel were to establish a new political party. According to the data obtained, it was understood that partial support was also noticeable among the bases of many parties located on the conservative and center-right spectrum.

As reported by Halk TV columnist İsmail Saymaz in his column today, the research reveals that the new party would have the backing of nearly two-thirds of the CHP base.

Evaluating the research, Istanbul Economics Research General Manager Can Selçuki stated, "Support given to a non-existent party measures mood, not votes. Voters project their own expectations, anger, and regrets onto a blank screen. Therefore, the high rates that emerge are the shadow of a potential; whether it turns into reality depends on the character of that party."

Selçuki added that the results obtained show that a newly established political entity could strongly attract opposition voters. However, despite this picture, it was emphasized that the total balance of votes would not cause a significant change between the government and the opposition, but would only reshuffle the cards within the opposition front.

According to the survey findings, a hypothetical party that could be established under Özel's leadership has the potential to draw approximately 20 percent of the vote from the CHP. Furthermore, an expectation of a 4-5 point erosion from the AK Party and three points each from the DEM Party and the IYI Party was presented. Small movements were also detected in the MHP and Zafer Party bases; it was stated that there is a possibility of a transition of approximately one point from both parties.

In his assessment, Selçuki pointed out that political balances remain essentially stable, saying, "The votes that break away accumulate in the new party and carry it to first place by a wide margin, but this picture does not weaken the government; it only reshuffles the opposition. The balance between the government and the opposition remains in place; the only variable that changes is under which name the opposition vote is gathered."

Political analysts state that it will become clear over time whether the voter reflex indicated by the survey will turn into a permanent change or if it is merely a projection of current political traffic.

News Source: 12punto