Critical day for CHP: 'Open list' and 'balance' race at the Extraordinary Convention

The Republican People's Party (CHP) is holding its Extraordinary Congress today at the Nazım Hikmet Culture Center in Ankara under the slogan "The Will Belongs to the Nation." The greatest competition at the congress will take place in the Party Assembly (PM) elections. In the elections, which will be held using an open list system, it is expected that CHP Chairman Özgür Özel will present a key list to propose his preferred candidates to the delegates.

WILL ÖZEL NOT MAKE CHANGES?

In CHP corridors, it is stated that Özgür Özel will not make large-scale changes to the current PM. Party staff report that Özel will largely retain the current cadre in his key list and will "submit this list to the discretion of the delegates." This situation is interpreted as a sign of a search for stability within the party.

ALTERNATIVE LIST FROM SALICI

Figures critical of the party leadership are preparing to take the stage with a separate alternative list in the PM election. The "Balance and Solidarity List," prepared under the leadership of Istanbul MP Oğuz Kaan Salıcı, who has made similar moves in the past, has been announced to the public.

In his statement, Salıcı expressed the following:

"We say balance because we want a party that reflects the kind of country we want. We say solidarity because we believe that we can only overcome the attacks on our party through solidarity. On the path we have embarked upon with this belief, I invite the esteemed delegates of the Republican People's Party to support the Balance and Solidarity List."

'OPPORTUNITY FOR UNITY' ASSESSMENT

According to a report by Cumhuriyet, some MPs in the party are directing criticisms at the current management. These figures comment, "This congress is a great opportunity for intra-party unity and renewal." The same MPs stated, "It would not be right to re-admit to the PM those who supported Mr. Özgür at the congress but previously served in Mr. Kemal's administration. The management should prepare the list by considering the integrity of the party, not in line with its own interests."

UNCERTAINTY IN THE CHAIRMANSHIP RACE

One of the most curious topics before the congress will be the chairmanship election. Muratpaşa Mayor Ümit Uysal had announced that he would be a candidate for the chairmanship. However, whether Uysal has been able to collect the signatures of the 69 delegates required to become a candidate will become clear at the opening of the congress.

Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu is expected to chair the congress. Çavuşoğlu's name is welcomed by both the Headquarters and the opposition wing.