CHP Chairman Özel's statement on 'IMM Deputy Mayor election': We have determined our candidate

Speaking at the iftar program, Özel stated that they experienced a shock following the cancellation of IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu's diploma by Istanbul University, and then touched upon the investigation process launched into the IMM regarding corruption and terrorism charges, in which 51 suspects, including İmamoğlu, were arrested.

Expressing that he has been in Saraçhane for days, Özel said, "Tomorrow, when the IMM selects one from among the elected officials to perform the duty of acting on behalf of Mayor Ekrem, and once the risk of a trustee is eliminated here, we will leave this place.

The 8:30 PM rallies will come to an end for Saraçhane. But Saraçhane will turn into a different format. We spoke with Mayor Ekrem today. There will be iftars throughout Ramadan.

In fact, starting from the Night of Power (Kadir Gecesi) for children, starting from tomorrow, there will be entertainment, and this place will be transformed into a center where Istanbul will celebrate the holiday with Mayor Ekrem." he stated.

Explaining that the demonstrations that started in Saraçhane have spread to 81 provinces, Özel said that people stood behind their will with crowded protests in some cities and more modest ones in others.

"WE HAVE DETERMINED OUR CANDIDATE"

Stating that they have all stood up together and started their election campaigns, Özel said, "Our candidate is clear, our slogan is clear."

CHP Chairman Özel, in response to the question "Who will be the candidate in the IMM Council election?", said, "We are not announcing a name right now. However, one of our mayors will not be a candidate. There are such discussions. A municipal council member who is not a mayor will be our deputy mayor."

Özel answered the question "When will it be announced?" as follows:

"That is the decision of the Municipal Council. The members of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council decide on the deputy mayor of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council. As for that candidate; they consult among themselves, become candidates, and an election takes place."

Özel emphasized that it is necessary to operate certain consultation mechanisms on this issue, and stated that they are also operating these mechanisms.

News Source: 12punto