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CHP Angles for By-Elections, Signals Possible Resignation of 30 MPs

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Türkiye’s main opposition CHP is weighing a bold strategy to trigger mid-term by-elections by forcing parliamentary vacancies. Party officials say up to 30 MPs could resign to meet constitutional thresholds, framing the move as a political challenge to the government amid ongoing legal pressure on opposition municipalities.

CHP Considers By-Election Strategy

Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) is exploring a plan to trigger mid-term by-elections, following recent legal operations targeting opposition-run municipalities.

Party leader Özgür Özel announced that the issue of by-elections should be brought onto the political agenda, stating that he would request a meeting with Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş to discuss the process and seek institutional clarity.

Senior CHP officials described the move as a direct political challenge:

“The chairman is issuing a challenge. CHP is calling for by-elections to demonstrate its political strength at the ballot box.”

Up to 30 MPs Could Resign

To meet the constitutional requirements for triggering by-elections, CHP is considering the resignation of at least 22 MPs, with discussions suggesting the number could rise to 30.

Under Türkiye’s Constitution:

  • By-elections can be triggered if vacant seats reach 5% of parliament (30 seats)
  • Elections must then be held within three months

Currently, eight parliamentary seats are already vacant due to various reasons, including deaths, ministerial appointments, and resignations. This means additional resignations would be required to meet the threshold.

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Constitutional Framework for By-Elections

Article 78 of the Constitution sets the rules for by-elections:

  • They can be held once per legislative term
  • At least 30 months must pass after general elections
  • There must be more than 12 months before the next general election

For the current parliamentary term, by-elections could take place between November 14, 2025 and May 14, 2027.

Additionally:

  • If a constituency becomes entirely unrepresented, a by-election must be held within 90 days

Parliamentary Approval Required

Even if MPs resign, their resignations must be formally accepted by parliament.

The process involves:

  1. Verification by the parliamentary council
  2. Approval by the General Assembly

CHP officials emphasized that the parliament’s response will be decisive:

“If parliament accepts the resignations, it means the political system acknowledges the will of the ballot box.”

Özel is expected to discuss this issue directly with Speaker Kurtulmuş to gauge the institutional stance.

Political Stakes and Strategic Calculations

CHP insiders say their next steps will depend on the outcome of Özel’s meeting with the Speaker.

“We need to see Mr. Kurtulmuş’s position before deciding on our roadmap.”

Some party officials also suggested that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan may already have signaled his preferences to the parliamentary leadership.

A Response to Legal Pressure

CHP frames the by-election initiative as a response to what it describes as judicial pressure on opposition municipalities.

Party officials argue that:

  • Legal investigations are being used to undermine elected local governments
  • Political outcomes should instead be determined through elections

“In democracies, political results are produced at the ballot box.”

They also pointed to the party’s extensive grassroots campaigning over the past year, including rallies and fieldwork, arguing that the electoral test is now necessary.

Risks for CHP: Parliamentary Seat Loss

Critics have noted that by-elections could carry risks for CHP itself, including the possibility of losing seats.

Currently holding 138 seats in parliament, CHP could face a reduction if it fails to retain those constituencies.

However, party officials dismissed such concerns:

“If we fall behind in those by-elections, we would accept the result. That is precisely why we are calling for a vote.”

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“A Political Challenge” to the Government

CHP leadership views the by-election proposal as a broader political test for the ruling party.

According to party insiders, Özel’s message is clear:

  • If CHP loses ground → it will accept the outcome
  • If the government loses ground → it will face political pressure

“Let the ballot box come. Let the government also see the result.”

No Fixed Plan on Resignation Regions

CHP has not yet determined which constituencies would be affected by potential resignations.

Officials indicated that:

  • Resignations could come from areas where CHP is electorally strong
  • The decision will be based on strategic considerations

They also clarified that the plan applies only to CHP MPs and does not involve coordination with other parties.

Outlook: Uncertain Path Ahead

Whether the by-election plan will materialize remains uncertain.

CHP officials acknowledged that the final outcome will depend on the government’s willingness to allow such a process.

“If the government believes it can win, it will allow by-elections.”

For now, the proposal has introduced a new dimension to Türkiye’s political landscape, with potential implications for both parliamentary balance and broader political dynamics.

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