CHP's 'Mutlak Butlan' court ruling sent to Yargıtay, curultay schedule in question

Ankara's Regional Administrative Court declared the Republican People's Party's (CHP) 38th ordinary congress null and void under a "mutlak butlan" decision, overturning the election of Özgür Özel as party leader. The ruling reinstated Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as interim head and sent the case to Turkey's Supreme Court (Yargıtay) for review. CHP officials said the file was mailed to Yargıtay after a 56‑day delay, noting that a Yargıtay reversal would restore the interim leadership, while a dismissal would allow the party to run in upcoming elections. Party figures have outlined a curultay timetable: Bülent Kuşoğlu announced the process would start in September, with the assembly to be held as soon as possible but no later than March 2027. Özgür Özel, addressing supporters, claimed the party could win 60‑70 % of the vote if allowed to contest. The controversy also includes allegations of financial irregularities in the 2023 campaign, with reports that businessman Nafer Çapar invoiced 35 million lira for a rally officially priced at 5 million lira. The Yargıtay decision will determine the party's legal standing and its ability to participate in the next election cycle.