YSK responds to CHP's 'absolute nullity' application: Decision to reject issued

The 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice (BAM) has ruled in the CHP convention case for the precautionary removal of Özgür Özel and the party administration from office, and for Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and his administration to take over the duties.

Following the court's "absolute nullity" ruling, which paved the way for Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to return to office in the CHP, there are tense moments within the party. The CHP had applied to the Court of Cassation yesterday to lift the injunction and stay the execution.

APPLICATION FROM CHP TO YSK

Following the 'absolute nullity' ruling, the CHP applied to the Supreme Election Council (YSK) today. It was learned that the application was made digitally.

CHP's YSK representative Mehmet Hadimi Yakupoğlu filed the application with the YSK today.

Özel had stated, "We expect the YSK to uphold its own authority and take ownership of the duties and responsibilities granted to it."

Özgür Özel had said in a statement yesterday following the ruling that they would apply to the YSK. Özgür Özel and some management staff within the party argue that the YSK is the body that can issue an absolute nullity ruling.

After the press conference held by Özgür Özel at night and his speech from the campaign bus, some party members continued to stay at the headquarters, while those who had left returned to the headquarters in the morning.

YSK REJECTS APPEAL DECISION

While the party administration was appealing the decision regarding the transfer of the duties of Özgür Özel and the current administration to the former administration, the YSK's critical meeting was held today at 11:00.

The Supreme Election Council convened at 17:30 to deliberate on the CHP's application.

It rejected the CHP's appeal against the absolute nullity ruling.

STATEMENT FROM YSK PRESIDENT MUTTA

YSK President Serdar Mutta made the following statement after the rejection of the CHP's nullity appeal:

In the petition submitted to our presidency on 2.5.2026, signed by Republican People's Party Supreme Election Council representative Mehmet Hadimi Yakupoğlu, it is summarized that, on the grounds that the execution of the interim injunction issued by the Ankara Regional Court of Justice 36th Civil Chamber with the decision dated 21.5.2026, numbered 2026/32 merit and 2026/658 decision, is materially and legally impossible; that the delegates elected at the 4-5 November 2023 Ordinary Convention, as well as the elections held at the 21.9.2025 Republican People's Party 22nd Extraordinary Convention, the 24.9.2025 Istanbul Extraordinary Provincial Congress, the 19.10.2025 Republican People's Party Istanbul 39th Ordinary Provincial Congress, and the 28-30 November 2025 Republican People's Party 39th Ordinary Convention, have had their delegate status terminated in accordance with the Law on Political Parties; and that the certificates of election issued by provincial and district election boards for the congresses held by new delegates are valid and those elected at the congresses and conventions continue their duties; the request for a determination based on the Supreme Election Council's authority regarding full illegality stemming from Article 79 of the Constitution is rejected.

Two. Regarding the request in the petition dated 22.5.2026, signed by Republican People's Party attorney Kadri Gökhan Sultan, stating that all applications made to the Supreme Election Council without the knowledge and approval of the Republican People's Party due to the termination of Mehmet Hadimi Yakupoğlu's duty as the Republican People's Party Supreme Election Council representative by Republican People's Party Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu should not be processed or considered in any way, there is no need to issue a separate decision in light of the decision given in the first article.

Three. Regarding the letter dated 21.5.2026 and numbered 2026/32 merit sent to our Council Presidency by the Ankara Regional Court of Justice 36th Civil Chamber, since there is no duty or authority granted to our council by the Constitution and laws regarding the execution of decisions of civil courts, it has been decided unanimously at the Supreme Election Council meeting held on 22.5.2026 to return the letter to its source without any action being taken. Good evening.

The reasoning, esteemed members of the press, will be explained later. This is our short decision. Thank you.

News Source: 12punto