CHP postpones congress schedule amid legal uncertainty

The Republican People's Party (CHP) has decided to postpone its congress schedule by at least 15 days. The delay is attributed to technical difficulties in preparing official member lists required by the Law on Political Parties.

The postponement comes amid ongoing legal proceedings regarding a court ruling of “absolute nullity” (mutlak butlan) concerning the party's 38th Ordinary Congress. A regional court previously ruled that the congress held in November 2023, which elected Özgür Özel as leader, was invalid, suggesting the party leadership should revert to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

The case is currently before the 3rd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation (Yargıtay). Party officials indicated that if the Court of Cassation does not uphold the previous ruling, further adjustments to the congress timeline may be necessary. The Central Executive Board (MYK) is expected to discuss the legal implications and the impact of the judicial process on the upcoming elections.