Skip to content
News from Turkey

Breaking: CHP Congress Annulment Trial Postponed to October 24

breaking news

The lawsuit seeking the annulment of the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) 38th Ordinary Congress (Nov. 2023) and 21st Extraordinary Congress (Apr. 2025) was once again heard at the 42nd Ankara Civil Court of First Instance. With nationwide attention fixed on the proceedings, the court issued an interim ruling and postponed the case to October 24, 10:00 a.m.

What Happened in Court

Interim Ruling Announced

The court rejected precautionary measures and ruled that:

  • The reasoned decision of the Ankara 3rd Civil Court, which had dismissed a related annulment request for the CHP Istanbul Provincial Congress, be added to the file.

  • There was no basis to reconsider interim injunctions already ruled upon.

  • Delegate lists and consolidation reports for the Sept. 21 Extraordinary Congress would be requested later from the Çankaya District Election Board.

Result: The case will reconvene on October 24.

Üregen Pushes for Kılıçdaroğlu’s Reinstatement

During the hearing, Onur Üregen, lawyer for former Hatay Mayor Lütfü Savaş, demanded that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu—CHP’s former leader—and his Party Assembly and High Disciplinary Board be provisionally reinstated until the trial concludes.

Üregen’s request also sought:

  • The precautionary removal of current CHP leader Özgür Özel and his central executive team.

  • Declaration that all decisions taken by Özel’s administration since the disputed congress are null and void.

Heated Tensions in the Courtroom

The session grew tense when Üregen described the disputed congress as the product of a “criminal organization.”

  • CHP MP Turan Taşkın Özer erupted: “What do you mean by criminal organization? That’s unacceptable!”

  • Üregen accused Ekrem İmamoğlu and Özgür Özel of coordinating vote manipulation in violation of the Political Parties Law, including bribery and irregular promises of municipal jobs and tenders.

  • He argued:

    “The 2023 congress is null due to public order violations and absolute illegality. The presiding chair lost neutrality. The prosecutor has already launched cases against multiple party members. Steps to lift Özel’s immunity are ongoing.”

Timeline of the Case

  • Feb. 15, 2024: Annulment lawsuits filed by Lütfü Savaş and other delegates consolidated at the 42nd Ankara Civil Court.

  • Apr. 17, 2024: First hearing held.

  • May 26, 2024: Second session; court requested CHP’s 2023 party statute and updates from the prosecutor’s office on investigations into alleged delegate bribery.

  • Sept. 2024: Court considered but rejected interim requests for precautionary leadership changes.

  • Oct. 2024: Case postponed to Oct. 24 for further review.

The Stakes: What a “Nullity Ruling” Means

If the court rules for “mutlak butlan” (absolute nullity):

  • Current chair Özgür Özel and his administration could be dismissed.

  • Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the Party Assembly elected at the 38th Congress might be reinstated.

  • A dual-leadership crisis could erupt, with Özel commanding de facto control but Kılıçdaroğlu recognized legally.

The court also holds the power to appoint a trustee (kayyım) or call committee to lead CHP into another congress.

Absent but Central: Lütfü Savaş

Former Hatay Mayor Lütfü Savaş, the lead plaintiff, did not attend the session. His lawyers, however, remained central to arguments demanding Özel’s suspension and Kılıçdaroğlu’s return.

Why This Case Matters

The annulment trial is not just about procedure—it could redefine the future of Turkey’s largest opposition party:

  • Power Struggle: The case revives tensions between Kılıçdaroğlu’s loyalists and Özel’s reformist bloc.

  • Opposition Unity: With Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu already jailed, further turmoil could weaken CHP ahead of elections.

  • Judicial Influence: Allegations of political interference fuel concerns that the judiciary is being used to reshape the opposition from the outside.

Conclusion: Uncertain Future

The court’s refusal to reinstate Kılıçdaroğlu—for now—delays but does not eliminate the possibility of a political earthquake. The October 24 hearing will be decisive in determining whether CHP continues under Özgür Özel’s leadership, or whether Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu stages a comeback via the courtroom.

As Üregen put it:

“This congress was tainted by illegality. For the sake of public order, the current leadership must be removed.”

Related articles