Date set for AKP's 8th Ordinary Congress: 'Changes' to be made to party ranks

Preparations for the congress have begun within the AKP, which suffered a defeat in the March 31 local elections.

The AKP Central Decision and Administrative Board (MKYK) will meet on September 3.

At the meeting, which will be chaired by AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a decision will be made to initiate the congress process. Subsequently, the "ordinary congress" calendar will be implemented. First, the town, then the district and provincial, and finally the grand congress will be held. Thus, the AKP will have completed its 8th ordinary grand congress. Work on the calendar regarding the congress date is ongoing.

WHEN IS THE AKP'S GRAND CONGRESS?

According to a report in Habertürk, the plan is to start the process in October, complete the provincial congresses by the Ramadan Feast, and hold the grand congress in May. According to the Law on Political Parties, congresses can be held at intervals of at least 2 and at most 3 years. If held earlier, it is classified as "extraordinary." It can also be convened extraordinarily if the chairman or the MKYK deems it necessary.

CHANGES IN PARTY RANKS

The AKP's last ordinary congress took place in March 2021, and its extraordinary congress in October 2023. Taking March 2021 as a reference, the AKP will hold its ordinary congress in 2025, exceeding the legal period by 1 year due to the elections. Along with the congresses, party ranks across the country will be reviewed.

The initiative for the Central Decision and Administrative Board, which is the party's governing body and consists of 110 members including alternates, will rest with Erdoğan. Erdoğan is also expected to renew the party's public face and his "A-team." AKP officials describe the congress process as the determination of the cadres that will prepare for the 2028 elections.

WILL THE PARTY PROGRAM BE UPDATED AT THE GRAND CONGRESS?

There is no such change on the congress agenda. However, some AKP officials are of the opinion that it could be discussed according to current developments, the needs of the day, and the dynamics of society and politics.

News Source: 12punto