A challenger emerges against Ekrem İmamoğlu in the primary! 'I would be happy to compete against Mr. Ekrem'

As the CHP enters the process of determining its presidential candidate, all eyes have turned to the primary election on March 23.

While Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaş, one of the names prominent for the presidential nomination, has decided not to participate in the primary, it is considered certain that Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu will be a candidate in the primary.

On the other hand, as the primary approaches, a challenger has emerged against İmamoğlu. Former CHP deputy Dursun Çiçek announced that he will be a candidate in the primary election to be held within the party for the presidential nomination.

Announcing his decision during a live broadcast, Çiçek said, "If a primary is being held, there must be at least 2-3 candidates so that members can express their preferences. A primary with a single candidate would be neither democratic nor ethical. More than one candidate must be presented to the members. I will go to Ankara tomorrow to submit my candidacy application. We have always advocated for primaries. Therefore, we want to contribute to this process."

When asked, "Did you discuss your candidacy with CHP Chairman Özgür Özel?" Çiçek replied, "I informed him." Çiçek stated that Özel responded by saying, "The choice is yours."

Responding to the question, "How do you view competing against Ekrem İmamoğlu?" he said, "I would be happy to compete against Mr. Ekrem. Primaries should always be a fixture in the CHP from now on."

Regarding Mansur Yavaş's decision not to participate in the primary on the grounds that announcing a candidacy is premature, Çiçek said, "I would have liked for Mr. Mansur to participate as well. I do not find it premature. I disagree with him. He did not want to participate in an election where he would come in second."

News Source: 12punto