Surprise intervention at CHP Party Assembly regarding presidential candidacy: 'Either Özel must be the candidate or...'

The Republican People's Party (CHP) has taken a significant step in the process of determining its presidential candidate. The Party Assembly (PM) accepted a proposal to determine the candidate through a primary election and granted full authority to the Central Executive Board (MYK) for the planning and implementation of the process.

According to a report by Ceren Bayar from Gazete Duvar, the MYK, which met following the PM meeting, carried out the final arrangements regarding the technical details and calendar of the primary election. It was stated that all details regarding the process will be announced by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel at today's group meeting.

ACCEPTED BY A LARGE MAJORITY, THREE OBJECTIONS RAISED

Following the sharing of views by members regarding the primary election decision at the PM meeting, a vote was held. Although the decision was accepted by a large majority, three PM members expressed their objections regarding the timing of the process.

One PM member, while not objecting to the primary itself, stated that the timing was too early, pointing out that the election could be 2 years away and noting that it is difficult to manage such a long process. Asking, "The entire plan is based on the election taking place this year. But if there is an operation against another municipality next week, how will we conduct the primary?" the PM member described the primary election decision as 'premature'.

Another PM member argued that the CHP's presidential candidate must be the party leader, saying, "The Chairman cannot waive his candidacy. Either Özel must be the candidate, or İmamoğlu must become the chairman and be nominated."

Another PM member, who stated that İmamoğlu could be the only candidate after Mansur Yavaş announced he would not be running, expressed that "it is not logical to hold a primary with a single candidate."

EMPHASIS ON DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

PM members and party executives who support the primary election stated that this decision is part of the CHP's search for a democratic, fair, and transparent method. A party executive said, "The person who emerges from the primary must be the person who can defeat Erdoğan."

Another executive, drawing attention to the political power of AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, assessed, "It is not easy to deal with him; we must field a candidate who can wrestle with him."

Those who support the primary election decision argued that it would be inconsistent not to determine a candidate while demanding an early election, and not to hold a primary while emphasizing democracy.

POLITICAL BAN AGENDA FOR İMAMOĞLU

The risk of a political ban for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was also on the meeting's agenda. One of the party executives stated, "A foul can be committed against İmamoğlu, but the idea that 'if there is a foul, I will enter the game' is not correct. We must fight against moves aimed at blocking İmamoğlu's path."

POLL DISCUSSIONS AND INTRA-PARTY CONSOLIDATION

Addressing claims that Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş is ahead in the polls, an executive said, "Polls conducted at this stage do not yield accurate results. Real poll results will emerge when the candidate against Erdoğan becomes clear."

Another PM member stated that the primary election decision is important in terms of ensuring intra-party unity, expressing that the process could also bring together the opposition bloc in Turkey.

ÖZEL, İMAMOĞLU, AND YAVAŞ SUMMIT

Özgür Özel also provided information at the PM meeting about his meeting with Ekrem İmamoğlu and Mansur Yavaş. While it was stated that the meeting went positively, it was conveyed that Yavaş said, "I respect the method determined by my party, and I will stand behind the winning candidate."

PRIMARY ELECTION PROCESS AND CALENDAR

Following the PM's granting of full authority to the MYK, technical work on how the primary election will be conducted has begun. CHP sources stated that the process will proceed in accordance with general election rules under the supervision of the Supreme Election Council (YSK). It was emphasized that all stages, such as the suspension of voter lists and objection processes, will be carried out meticulously.

Those who wish to be candidates in the CHP's primary election will need to comply with current legal criteria. According to party sources, it will be a requirement to obtain a certain number of signatures from members of parliament for candidacy. It was stated that there is a strong tendency for this number to be 25 parliamentary signatures.

The primary election is planned to be completed before the end of March. Although the anniversary of the March 31 local election victory was initially considered, this date was eliminated as it coincides with a public holiday. The date that stands out on the agenda is March 23.

'DUBIOUS CONGRESS' INVESTIGATION AND CHP'S STANCE

The 'dubious congress' investigation launched regarding the CHP's congress in November 2023 was also on the agenda at the PM meeting. The majority argued that this investigation is a baseless attempt aimed at harming the CHP.

Some PM members suggested that Chairman Özgür Özel should respond to these allegations. However, Özel stated that similar attacks were made against Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in the past and that they were not responded to, adding that he did not see a need to respond to baseless allegations.

Party executives claimed that the government is behind these attempts and that the goal is to "create confusion within the CHP."