Judicial Showdown in Turkey: CHP Dismisses Annulment Fears Ahead of Crucial “Convention Fraud” Trial

The Republican People’s Party (CHP), Turkey’s main opposition force, faces a critical judicial deadline as the sixth hearing in the controversial lawsuit challenging the validity of its 38th Ordinary Party Congress (Kurultay) is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday, October 24). This  was the convention where long-time leader Kemal Kilicdaroğlu toppled by the current chair Ozgur Ozel.

Despite the high-stakes nature of the trial—which could potentially annul the congress that brought Özgür Özel to the leadership—CHP headquarters express zero anxiety regarding an adverse outcome. Party executives confirm they are not mobilizing for the hearing and are instead concentrating their efforts on preparing for the upcoming 39th Ordinary Party Congress, which they have branded the “March  to Power Convention” (İktidara Hazırlık Kurultayı).

This new gathering of delegates, set to take place on November 28-30 at the Ankara Arena Sports Hall, is seen by the party leadership as the ultimate remedy to end all judicial and internal disputes related to the previous elections.

Legal Optimism: Why the CHP Expects Favorable Rulings

The lawsuit in question was filed under the claim of “fraud” or “irregularity” during the congress that elected Özel as the party chairman. Several scenarios surrounding the ruling are being debated, including adjournment, the appointment of an interim management committee (bord of trustees), jurisdiction rulings, or a full “absolute annulment” (e.g the convention, with all subsequent actions taken by the current leadership being null and void)  decision.

CHP officials, however, remain confidently focused on two likely outcomes: a jurisdiction ruling in their favor or a simple adjournment to a later date.

Case Deemed “Frivilous”

The party’s legal rationale is straightforward: the lawsuit has been rendered moot by the CHP’s subsequent internal actions.

1. First Extraordinary Congress: According to executives, the party’s initial extraordinary congress, held after the lawsuit was filed, should have automatically rendered the case moot.
2. Second Extraordinary Congress: When a court appointed an interim committee for the Istanbul Provincial Directorate, the CHP swiftly convened a second extraordinary congress. Crucially, the Istanbul delegates whose participation was cited as the source of the alleged fraud did not vote in this second congress.

CHP executives now argue that this second action definitively makes the lawsuit moot. They contend that the court should logically dismiss the case in the upcoming hearing.

Court’s Request for Delegate Lists Seen as a Hint

Senior officials point to the proceedings of the previous hearing as a positive indicator. They note that the court requested both the list of all delegates from the second extraordinary congress and the specific list of the contested Istanbul delegates.

The expectation is that the court sought these lists for comparison—to confirm that the contested delegates did not participate in the subsequent election—and will use this fact as the basis for a ruling in favor of the CHP.

Furthermore, officials state that they have not observed the same level of political pressure in the Ankara court as they did in previous related legal challenges in Istanbul.

Strategic Focus: No Special Preparation for the Hearing

The prevailing confidence within the CHP is demonstrated by the lack of special preparation for tomorrow’s hearing. While the party had previously mobilized provincial leaders and youth organizations following a negative ruling concerning Istanbul, the current view that a dismissal or adjournment is imminent means they are not on high alert this time.

In a further sign of business-as-usual, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel is scheduled to depart for Switzerland in the evening hours, underscoring the party’s minimal concern regarding the judicial process.

Some party insiders even suggest that the fragility of the Turkish economy acts as an unofficial barrier against a politically destabilizing annulment decision, implying that the ruling government may prefer not to trigger unnecessary political turmoil at a time of severe economic stress.

The November Congress: A Cure for All Ills

The true strategic focus of the CHP lies in the 39th Ordinary Party Congress scheduled for the end of November. The dates—November 28, 29, and 30—were finalized during a Party Assembly meeting held earlier today.

The new congress, which will feature delegates elected after the completion of all provincial assemblies, is expected to:

• Finalize Leadership: While Özgür Özel is currently expected to run as the sole candidate for the chairmanship, a key battleground will be the party council (PM) list, which is anticipated to use an open “sheet list” format, likely with Özel putting forward a recommended “key list”.
• End Disputes: CHP leaders believe that the convening of this fully legitimate, newly delegated congress will serve to permanently terminate all claims of fraud and the associated judicial debates.

“Power Preparation” and Concrete Solutions

The leadership is framing the upcoming congress not merely as an administrative formality but as a “Power Preparation Congress.” The slogan will reflect this ambitious objective.

In the run-up to the event, and continuing through the congress itself, the CHP plans to intensify its communications, focusing on presenting concrete, tangible solutions to the nation’s most pressing problems. Executives promise to showcase an “Executive CHP” (İcracı CHP), ready to govern and address issues ranging from the minimum wage and poverty to youth housing shortages and internet access needs.

The opposition’s message is clear: the judicial challenge is a temporary distraction; the real focus is on preparing to offer a credible governing alternative to the Turkish electorate.