Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş on 'absolute nullity' ruling: CHP's unity is not enough

In his statement on his social media account, Yavaş called on all elements of the opposition to show a reaction while criticizing the lawlessness of the decision.

Here are Yavaş's statements:

The fact that an 'absolute nullity' ruling has been issued regarding our Republican People's Party is one of the clearest indicators of how severely law, democracy, and the national will are being placed under pressure in Turkey.

Moreover, one of the most striking and dire points here is this…

While criminal cases have not yet concluded, the court effectively expressing an opinion that “the election was rigged” means it is acting in place of the criminal court and issuing a verdict. However, in a state of law, no person or institution can replace a judicial process that has not yet been finalized.

Article 79 of the Constitution is clear.

The management and supervision of elections are under the authority of the Supreme Election Council (YSK), and YSK decisions are final.

Our Constitution clearly states which institutions have the authority regarding the management of election processes and the congress will of political parties. While the duties and powers of provincial and district election boards are clear, these boundaries cannot be crossed.

Of course, there is a judicial decision, and in a state of law, no decision is ignored. However, legal processes cannot be turned into a tool to weaken, divide, or liquidate political parties.

The goal is to drag the Republican People's Party into internal disputes, damage its sense of unity, and render Turkey's main opposition ineffective.

Such a process has no benefit for Turkey. On the contrary, this picture deepens social polarization, weakens trust in politics, and only serves the interests of the ruling power.

Therefore, what needs to be done is not to escalate the tension, but to act with common sense, announce that the party will decide on a congress within 1-2 months of its own volition, and operate the process within democratic traditions.

Overcoming this process with unity, solidarity, and calmness is our greatest responsibility to the millions of people who have pinned their hopes on us. None of us, including myself, can escape this responsibility.

In this process, it is especially necessary to avoid attitudes and rhetoric that will harm our unity and solidarity. Otherwise, those who made these decisions and those who want to escalate these debates will have achieved their goals.

Given the economic and social picture Turkey is in, it should not be forgotten that the possibility of the government bringing all kinds of political moves, including a snap election, to the agenda in the coming period is quite high.

What is needed today is not just for the Republican People's Party to unite within itself. It is for all opposition segments in Turkey that believe in democracy, law, and the national will to come together with a common mind and a common conscience.

Cumhuriyet Halk Partimizle ilgili mutlak butlan kararı verilmiş olması; Türkiye’de hukukun, demokrasinin ve millet iradesinin nasıl ağır bir baskı altında bırakıldığının en açık göstergelerinden biridir.

Üstelik burada en dikkat çekici ve en vahim noktalardan biri şudur…°Henüz…

— Mansur Yavaş (@mansuryavas06) May 21, 2026

News Source: 12punto