Critical decision from the YSK: CHP council member who withdrew his resignation cannot return

Following a bribery and corruption operation at the Manavgat Municipality, the Supreme Election Council (YSK) has rejected the petition of CHP Deputy Mayor Mehmet Engin Tüter, who had resigned and then attempted to withdraw that resignation. The YSK stated, "A resignation cannot be withdrawn." The election for the acting mayor will be held today.

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Critical decision from the YSK: CHP council member who withdrew his resignation cannot return

The attempt by Deputy Mayor Mehmet Engin Tüter, who was arrested following "bribery and corruption" allegations targeting the Manavgat Municipality, to withdraw his resignation from the municipal council has proven unsuccessful.

Tüter resigned from his position as a municipal council member on July 7, 2025. However, on July 12, he applied to the Manavgat District Election Board, stating that he had changed his mind. The District Election Board had initially ruled that Tüter could withdraw his resignation.

However, the CHP appealed this decision and took the file to the Supreme Election Council (YSK). Evaluating the application by CHP Manavgat District Secretary Ozan Gündüz and Municipal Council Member Adil Baybuğ, the YSK stated that Tüter's resignation was valid and canceled the District Election Board's decision on the grounds of "complete illegality."

YSK: "A RESIGNATION CANNOT BE WITHDRAWN"

The YSK's decision included the following statements:

"A resignation is a unilateral legal act and takes effect immediately upon being submitted. It is not possible to withdraw this resignation, and district election boards do not have such authority."

With this decision, a substitute CHP council member will cast a vote in place of Tüter, and the CHP's position in the council balance will be maintained.

BRIBERY OPERATION AND THE BAKLAVA BOX

On July 4, the Manavgat Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched a major investigation into allegations of bribery in exchange for hotel renovations, construction permits, and occupancy permits.

On July 8, 19 people were arrested, including CHP Manavgat Mayor Niyazi Nefi Kara, Deputy Mayor Mehmet Engin Tüter, and two other deputy mayors, Sıla Ceyhan Berkaya and Gülsüm Özer.

During the operation, footage was released to the press showing 110 thousand Euros found inside a baklava box in Tüter's office. Tüter gave a statement on July 10, benefiting from effective remorse provisions.

ÖZGÜR ÖZEL CALLED IT A "FRAME-UP"

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel made harsh statements following the operation, characterizing the event as a "frame-up." Speaking in Antalya, Özel claimed that Tüter had previously been detained on suspicion of illicit alcohol and drug possession and was subsequently made part of the operation.

JET-SPEED RESPONSE AND INVESTIGATION FROM THE CHIEF PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

The Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued a statement refuting Özel's claims. The statement noted that Tüter's driver was caught on May 30 with 9 bottles of whiskey obtained through bribery, and that no arrests were made during the process to ensure the "confidentiality and continuity" of the operation.

Furthermore, a jet-speed investigation was launched against Özel due to his "frame-up" allegations.