Özgür Özel, chairman of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), was reelected Sunday (21 September) for a third time. The vote, held at a CHP party congress in Ankara, comes amidst a court case that threatens to remove Özel from office.
 |
| Turkey’s main opposition leader reelected amidst removal threats Turkey’s main opposition leader reelected amidst removal threats Özel was unchallenged in the vote, which notably did not include former CHP chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu nor his wing of the party. It was Özel’s second vote of confidence since his original election in November 2023 which saw him defeat Kılıçdaroğlu, who had been defeated in Turkey’s most recent presidential election just months prior. In April 2025, the CHP held a similar party congress in which Özel was reelected in hopes of averting a government takeover. The ongoing court case alleges irregularities in Özel’s original election victory in November 2023, alleging votes were bought in exchange for bribes. A decision in the case, originally expected on September 15th, has been delayed until October 25th. The case threatens to remove Özel and reappoint Kılıçdaroğlu to the party leadership in what critics describe as an attempt to neutralize Turkey’s largest opposition party. |
Özel was unchallenged in the vote, which notably did not include former CHP chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu nor his wing of the party.
It was Özel’s second vote of confidence since his original election in November 2023 which saw him defeat Kılıçdaroğlu, who had been defeated in Turkey’s most recent presidential election just months prior.
In April 2025, the CHP held a similar party congress in which Özel was reelected in hopes of averting a government takeover.
The ongoing court case alleges irregularities in Özel’s original election victory in November 2023, alleging votes were bought in exchange for bribes. A decision in the case, originally expected on September 15th, has been delayed until October 25th. The case threatens to remove Özel and reappoint Kılıçdaroğlu to the party leadership in what critics describe as an attempt to neutralize Turkey’s largest opposition party.
Özel wins unopposed
Özgür Özel won all 835 valid votes cast for party chairman. In addition to the chairmanship, votes were also cast for the CHP Party Assembly, Disciplinary Board, and the party’s Science, Culture and Art Platform. Both the Party Assembly and Disciplinary Board saw changes of only one member each.
Medyascope'u destekle. Medyascope'a abone ol.
Medyascope’u senin desteğin ayakta tutuyor. Hiçbir patronun, siyasi çıkarın güdümünde değiliz; hangi haberi yapacağımıza biz karar veriyoruz. Tıklanma uğruna değil, kamu yararına çalışıyoruz. Bağımsız gazeteciliğin sürmesi, sitenin açık kalması ve herkesin doğru bilgiye erişebilmesi senin desteğinle mümkün.
Sunday’s party congress was held under the slogan ‘No to coup and trusteeship’ in response to ongoing attempts to remove the party’s leadership, as well as immense judicial pressure on CHP-controlled municipalities.
Written/translated for Medyascope by Leo Kendrick
