CHP Faces Critical Court Battle Over Congress Annulments

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) entered one of the most pivotal moments in its 102-year history as the fifth hearing in the case demanding the annulment of its 38th Ordinary Congress (November 4–5, 2023) and 21st Extraordinary Congress (April 6, 2025) began today at the 42nd Ankara Civil Court of First Instance.

The proceedings have drawn widespread attention due to the possibility of a “mutlak butlan” (absolute nullity) ruling, which could invalidate the party’s recent congresses and force a major leadership shake-up.

11:18 – Hearing Postponed

The court session ended with the decision to postpone the case, leaving the party’s fate hanging for another day.

Key Developments from the Courtroom

10:45 – CHP Lawyers Challenge Jurisdiction

CHP lawyer Çağlar Çağlayan argued that the court has no jurisdiction:

“According to the Supreme Election Council (YSK), it is outside the court’s authority to review the continuation of congresses, future party activities, or the annulment of congress elections. Therefore, in this case requesting the annulment of the congress elections, the court is not competent.”

10:35 – Özgür Özel Chairs MYK Meeting During Hearing

While the trial proceeded, CHP Chair Özgür Özel led his routine Central Executive Board (MYK) meeting at party headquarters. He and his top advisors monitored the court developments closely.

10:33 – Demands from Lütfü Savaş’s Lawyer

Lawyer Onur Üregen, representing former Hatay Mayor Lütfü Savaş, submitted demands including:

“Since the congress is invalid due to absolute nullity, Özgür Özel and his administration should be provisionally suspended. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the Party Assembly elected in the previous congress should be reinstated until a final verdict. All decisions taken by Özgür Özel must be deemed null and void.”

10:22 – Claims of Organized Fraud

Üregen went further, alleging organized manipulation during the congresses:

“The November 2023 congress is void due to violation of public order and absolute nullity. Ekrem İmamoğlu and Özgür Özel coordinated an organized scheme by multiple actors, violating the Political Parties Law and rigging the vote, destroying the legitimacy of the congress. The presiding chair lost neutrality. The Ankara Chief Prosecutor has filed charges against several party members for organized crime. Proceedings to lift Özel’s parliamentary immunity are ongoing.”

The claim triggered heated exchanges:

• CHP MP Turan Taşkın Özer protested: “What do you mean by organized crime? That is slander! You are the one acting like a criminal organization!”

• CHP lawyer Uğur Poyraz intervened: “These are only allegations. There is no final ruling.”

10:05 – Expert Opinions Submitted

The court received academic opinions from legal scholars, providing analyses on the validity of the congress procedures.

10:00 – Hearing Formally Opened

Proceedings began under tight security measures at Ankara’s Dışkapı Courthouse, where the judge entered the courtroom at 09:45.

CHP Leadership Braces for a “Nullity” Ruling

According to Sözcü, CHP leadership has prepared a roadmap in case the court annuls the congresses. Party Chair Özgür Özel and his senior aides remained at headquarters to respond immediately to the ruling.

If the court declares “mutlak butlan” and removes the current leadership, CHP’s administration does not plan to step down voluntarily. Instead, the leadership intends to hold their ground at party headquarters until the extraordinary congress scheduled for September 21 convenes. The Central Executive Board is expected to meet urgently to chart next steps.

Security Preparations Against Possible Intervention

Reports suggest that CHP has also prepared for the possibility of a police intervention similar to incidents seen at Istanbul provincial headquarters in the past.

According to leaked information, party officials stockpiled 3,000 gas masks, lemons, biscuits, and pasta as precautionary measures. These preparations highlight the seriousness with which the party leadership views the risk of state intervention.

The Debate Over “Two Party Chairs”

A ruling of “absolute nullity” could create an unprecedented situation: the emergence of two rival CHP chairmanships—one official, one de facto.

Former party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, if reinstated by the court, is reportedly reluctant to enter party headquarters with police escort to avoid a dramatic confrontation. Instead, he may choose to operate from his home or private office, with loyalists recognizing his authority regardless of physical location.

Party insiders summarize the principle as: “Wherever the party chair is, that place is the party headquarters.”

Broader Political Context

The case comes at a time when CHP is already facing internal divisions and external pressure. Since taking over leadership in 2023, Özgür Özel has positioned himself as a reformist figure, but critics loyal to Kılıçdaroğlu argue that his leadership lacks legitimacy.

The stakes are high: if the court rules the congresses invalid, Turkey’s main opposition party could plunge into a leadership crisis just as the country prepares for crucial political battles ahead.

A Pivotal Moment in CHP’s History

The CHP congress annulment case has become a defining test of party unity, legal authority, and political legitimacy. Today’s fifth hearing reflected both the legal complexities and the deep political rivalries at play.

With the decision postponed, uncertainty looms large. A potential “mutlak butlan” ruling could reshape the leadership structure, spark power struggles, and redefine how Turkey’s main opposition party is led in the months to come.