Özgür Çelik re-elected as CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair
The political crisis within the CHP in Istanbul has been resolved through an extraordinary congress. Özgür Çelik was re-elected as Istanbul Provincial Chair by the votes of the delegates. In his post-election statement, Çelik said, "The court decision has been nullified by the congress, and I am awaiting my certificate of election from the Supreme Election Council (YSK). For me, what matters is not which building I work in, but being out on the streets."
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The crisis that began with the court-ordered dismissal of the Istanbul Provincial Administration and the appointment of a trustee in its place has moved to a new phase with the CHP's decision to hold an extraordinary congress. The appointment of Gürsel Tekin as trustee following the controversial decision by the Istanbul 45th Civil Court of First Instance had triggered a process of resistance within the party. Intense security measures taken by police teams at the congress held at the Süleyman Seba Art Center in Beşiktaş drew attention.
As the congress began at 11:00 AM, a new decision arrived from the court to halt the proceedings. Tensions rose when officials arrived at the hall to serve the notice. CHP executives managed the situation with a tactic described as a "chess move," having the notice transcribed word-for-word to gain time. This strategy continued until the YSK issued its decision.
At 1:55 PM, the YSK put an end to the debates by approving the continuation of the congress. The YSK's statement read, "It is not possible to halt a congress process that has already begun, in accordance with Article 79 of the Constitution and the provisions regarding election law." This decision was met with great enthusiasm in the congress hall, and Özgür Çelik was re-elected as Istanbul Provincial Chair by the will of the delegates.