Preparations for a new party in the Özgür Özel camp: Petition ready, decision at the July 22 meeting

The discussions that began following the absolute nullity decision within the CHP have moved to a new stage with reports from the corridors that the Özgür Özel team has accelerated preparations for a new party. According to BBC Türkçe, the founding petition for the new party has been prepared; the decision regarding when to submit the application to the Ministry of Interior is expected to be finalized at a meeting to be held on July 22.

While the Özel administration is preparing to force an extraordinary congress process in the CHP through legal channels, it is also working on different scenarios for a potential transition to a new party. In this context, it is planned to apply to the civil court of peace on the grounds that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu did not fulfill the request for an extraordinary congress made with the signatures of 830 delegates, and to request the appointment of a call committee for the party.

CONGRESS AND NEW PARTY SCENARIOS

Requesting the court to determine that the Party Assembly has fallen due to the resignations of names close to Özel is also among the topics planned to be included in the application. It is stated that the view that the process should not be prolonged further is coming to the fore in internal party evaluations.

We are losing too much time now. The public has been supporting and following this with excitement for a while. But if we do not move to the next phase, this excitement may fade. Your excitement may not end, but the citizen's excitement might. Therefore, the next phase must be moved to as soon as possible and the establishment of the party must be announced.

However, it is also stated that the doors have not been completely closed in the Özel camp. It is noted that if the Kılıçdaroğlu administration holds an extraordinary congress within two and a half or three months and does not dismiss the provincial heads, the option of staying in the party and competing in the congress may still be evaluated.

If the new party is established, a rapid timeline is envisioned for organization. According to the staff's plan, the goal is to complete the organization in two-thirds of the 81 provinces and in the central districts within five days after the establishment. While focus group studies continue for the party name and logo, it is reported that the name "New Party" is on the table on the grounds that it could provide public recognition; the proposal of "People's Party" has been pushed to the background as it could be confused with the CHP.

GRADUAL TRANSITION PLAN FOR DEPUTIES

One of the most critical topics in the new party scenario is seen as the transition timeline for deputies. Against the possibility of the government's new constitution initiative or immunity files coming to the Parliament's agenda, the goal is to protect memberships in commissions. For this reason, the focus is on officially establishing the party first, and then having the deputies transition in a planned and gradual manner.

Estimates ranging from 85 to 95 are being voiced in the corridors regarding the number of deputies who could switch to the new party. However, while no exact number is given, it is stated that the primary goal is to protect the position of main opposition in Parliament beyond any doubt. Once commission memberships are secured, Özel transitioning to the head of the new party as the "main opposition leader" is also among the planned options.

It is stated that alternative plans are also being prepared against the possibility of the new party encountering legal obstacles or being prevented from participating in a potential snap election. In this context, it is reported that contacts are being made with parties that have the eligibility to enter elections; it is stated that three of the four parties interviewed have the eligibility to participate in elections. In the most negative scenario, it is stated that the formula of entering the election through the lists of the İYİ Party is being considered.

Regarding mayors, it is stated that a more cautious approach is being adopted. Due to potential judicial processes and legal risks, it is envisioned that mayors will remain under the CHP umbrella for now, but it is stated that the door will not be closed to those who want to join the new party of their own volition.