Critical day for CHP: Joint message ahead of the party congress lawsuit! Possible scenarios also on the table

All eyes in the Republican People's Party (CHP) have turned to the lawsuit regarding the 38th Ordinary Congress, which will be heard tomorrow at the Ankara 42nd Civil Court of First Instance. Hours before the hearing for the case filed with the demand for the cancellation of the congress and a declaration of "absolute nullity," striking statements have come from party strategists, members of parliament, and provincial chairs. CHP officials stated, "Our party does not have a leadership problem. Özgür Özel is the will of both the organization and the people. The stance displayed by the delegates is clear. Whatever the picture was on June 29, it will remain the same on July 1. No court ruling can change this reality."

THE FIRST EXPECTATION OF STRATEGISTS: DISMISSAL OF THE CASE

The primary expectation within the party is for the court to dismiss the case. However, it is clearly stated that if such a decision is not reached and the congress is cancelled, a court ruling such as the appointment of a trustee or the return of the former management to duty would not be seen as legitimate within the party. In this case, it is noted that in accordance with the provisions of the CHP bylaws, the Party Assembly could decide to hold an extraordinary congress, or the delegates could directly take the party to an elective congress.

Three different scenarios are being discussed in party corridors. The first is that the court will not issue a ruling on the grounds that the case is political in nature. The second scenario is that the court decides to appoint a Call Committee, as Özgür Özel has previously mentioned. In this case, the party would be forced to go to a congress again within 40 days.

The third and harshest scenario is for the court to deem the congress "absolutely null and void." If this happens, the reinstatement of the previous management will come to the agenda. However, even in this case, according to the CHP bylaws, the Party Assembly can decide to hold an extraordinary congress, and a congress can also be called with the signatures of a simple majority of the congress delegates. According to the bylaws, if such a process begins, an election must be held within 45 days at the latest.

KILIÇDAROĞLU'S STATEMENT DID NOT CHANGE THE BALANCE

Some party officials argued that former Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's statement that "the court ruling must be complied with" did not affect the balance within the organization. The same individuals stated, "The party's will is determined by the delegates and members, not in a courtroom," expressing that regardless of the court's outcome, the party management will be shaped according to the will of the people.

On the other hand, some party sources believe that a possible new contact between Kılıçdaroğlu and Özgür Özel could reduce tension and prevent a potential political crisis.

CHP strategists reminded that even if the court cancels the congress, Özgür Özel's leadership would not be opened to debate and that the party's will is shaped by the delegates, not the judiciary. The following message was given in the joint statement:

"No one can come and remain at the head of the CHP for a year through a court ruling. This party does not carry a name that the organization and the people do not want."