Election statement from Özgür Özel: 'Bring the ballot box, we are ready'
In his assessment following the Ankara Regional Court of Justice's "absolute nullity" ruling, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel stated that his party is ready for a possible early election, declaring, "Let them hold a snap election, we are waiting, let them hold it, we are waiting."
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The "absolute nullity" ruling issued by the 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice regarding the CHP convention has caused a stir in the political agenda. With the court's decision, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and his current administration are being removed from office, while the party's former chairman, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, and his team are to be temporarily reinstated.
Speaking after the ruling, Özgür Özel made clear remarks regarding a potential early election in an assessment for DW Türkçe. He spoke assertively, saying: "Let them hold a snap election, we are waiting. Let them hold the presidential election as soon as possible. Let them bring the ballot box; we will change the government in this country. Our candidate will be elected President. Let them bring a snap election, we will nominate our candidate, and we will win this election."
Regarding the party's candidate selection process, Özel stated: "The party's candidate is clear. Until the day we can nominate İmamoğlu, that is our candidate. Otherwise, this party will nominate a candidate who will win the election. It is that clear. Apart from that, there is also the option of collecting one hundred thousand signatures to become a presidential candidate. We have nominated İmamoğlu with 15.5 million signatures. We have stood behind him with 25.5 million signatures. We have collected two hundred and fifty times the one hundred thousand signatures. We will nominate a candidate and win this election."
Furthermore, addressing allegations that a new party would be formed, Özel explained that the preparation of a backup party was a precautionary measure against situations such as "the CHP becoming unable to submit its parliamentary candidate lists or a potential closure case." He clarified the process by saying, "This party preparation is not about leaving the party and forming another one. It is a precaution against a possible closure case or a situation where the Republican People's Party is rendered unable to submit its parliamentary candidate lists."