Özel: “They Want to Replace the Ballot with Appointees, We Will Not Surrender”

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) marked its 102nd anniversary with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Atatürk Monument in Taksim Square. Party leader Özgür Özel, accompanied by CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik, addressed supporters in a fiery speech that defended the party’s democratic tradition against recent judicial interventions.

“Can they divide CHP? The only guarantee is its members and the ballot box. They want to remove the ballot and replace it with appointees. We will not surrender,” Özel declared.

“I Came with My Provincial Chair”

Özel opened his speech by honoring the party’s history:

“Today is September 9, the anniversary of CHP’s founding. It is the birthday of all CHP members. Early this morning, we visited our founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Ankara, then İsmet Paşa. While colleagues in Ankara honored our former chairmen at the state cemetery, I came here with our Istanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik. Together, we also paid our respects at the graves of our late leaders Altan Öymen and Erdal İnönü before coming here.”

He recalled the emotional moment of arriving at Taksim Square:

“As our car turned the corner into Taksim, I saw you filling the square. Yesterday, all of Turkey saw how the AK Party manipulated the judiciary to stage a coup against the founding party of this republic—our CHP Istanbul Provincial Headquarters—using 5,000 police officers. If your authority comes from the AK Party judiciary, you need 5,000 police. But if your authority comes from the people, then you come to Taksim and 5,000 party members welcome you.”

“The Ballot Box Is Our Only Guarantee”

Özel warned against attempts to undermine democratic processes:

“Can they divide CHP? The Republican People’s Party is one and whole. Its only guarantee is its members and the ballot box. Those who want to rule Turkey without elections are trying to remove the ballot and replace it with appointees. We will not surrender. What gives me strength? Only you.”

He linked today’s struggle with the party’s century-old legacy of resistance:

“This party was founded by a man who was sentenced to death yet launched the War of Independence. Our leaders faced assassination attempts, lynchings, even prison. At times the party was shut down. Yet even from jail, on September 9, our leaders wore suits and laid flowers at Atatürk’s bust. Such a tradition can never be divided, seized, or surrendered.”

Appeal to the People

Özel said CHP belongs not only to its members but also to all citizens who believe in democracy:

“I entrust my party not just to our members but to every conscientious democrat who says, ‘I must choose who governs me. If I don’t like them, I will send them away. I am the nation. I am national will.’ To all who value the ballot box, I entrust CHP to your hearts.”

Solidarity with Imprisoned Leaders

Özel also saluted Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and other party members currently detained:

“Today in Silivri, our comrades put on suits for our founding day, sang the national anthem in their cells, and sent us this message: ‘I may be in prison, but my heart and soul are in Taksim with you.’ We greet Ekrem Başkan and all our friends.”

Defending Democracy

Özel’s remarks during the 102nd anniversary ceremony underscored CHP’s identity as a party rooted in democratic struggle and resilience. By framing recent judicial interventions and police blockades as attempts to silence the ballot box, he drew a sharp contrast between appointed authority and popular sovereignty.

His final message was one of defiance and trust in the people: “We will not surrender.”