Confusion in the İYİ Party

Ercan KÜÇÜK - 12punto.com.tr

Following the May 14 elections, the İYİ Party had decided to enter the local elections alone. Some figures, such as Prof. Dr. Bahadır Erdem, who objected to the decision, had resigned from the party. Despite this, statements made by the CHP continued to signal a green light for an alliance. Most recently, with the visit of the new CHP Chairman Özgür Özel to the İYİ Party, the CHP has conveyed this request from the highest level. İYİ Party Chairwoman Meral Akşener stated that she would bring the matter to the GİK meeting.

The critical GİK meeting of the İYİ Party will take place today. It is known that there is a faction within the party that remains insistent on the decision to enter the elections independently and freely, as decided in the party's last GİK meeting. According to information obtained by 12punto from İYİ Party sources, there is complete confusion and a variety of differing opinions. According to the information obtained, unlike in Ankara, 60% of the Istanbul organization does not want cooperation. Within this 60%, a small percentage says 'it could happen if it is very profitable.' 40% of the organization says let's cooperate.

At the level of GİK members, those who advocate for an alliance argue that it should be in the form of cooperation, with partnerships formed in certain key municipalities. In any cooperation with the CHP, it is requested that at least a few provincial mayoralties be left to the İYİ Party.

NATIONALISTS SAY 'NO'

For now, the İYİ Party is working as if there will be no alliance, with its own candidates in every region, during the candidate determination process. It is known that figures with nationalist roots, such as Mehmet Tolga Akalın, are particularly opposed to cooperation with the CHP and are firmly advocating for entering the elections with their own candidates.

Akşener's stance is expected to determine the direction at the GİK meeting, which will begin at 3:00 PM. If Akşener does not provide a direction, it is expected that a decision to enter the elections independently will emerge from the GİK with around 60% support. If there is intervention from Akşener, the decision is expected to emerge not as a direct 'alliance with the CHP,' but as 'cooperation talks can be held.'

News Source: Ercan Deniz Küçük