Main opposition CHP emergency congress set for Sept. 21 as Ozel runs unopposed

Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) will convene its 22nd Emergency Congress on Sunday, after a court case challenging the party’s previous congress was postponed to Oct. 24.

CHP leader Ozgur Ozel will run unopposed. Delegates will first hold a vote of confidence, followed by elections for party chair, Party Assembly (PM) and High Disciplinary Board (HDB). The congress is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Nazim Hikmet Cultural Center in Ankara, with 1,127 delegates eligible to vote.

Leader of Türkiyes main opposition party, Republican Peoples Party (CHP), Ozgur Ozel, speaks on stage during a rally, in Ankara, Sept. 14, 2025. (AFP Photo)

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Former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu and his allies, including Oguz Kaan Salici—who fielded a rival list in the last congress—are not expected to attend. To avoid fresh allegations of irregularities, Istanbul provincial delegates, PM members and HDB members will not cast ballots.

Ozel is expected to keep his current leadership team in place until the 39th Ordinary Congress, set for November. Party officials have suggested Nov. 8-9 or Nov. 15-16 as possible dates.

Türkiye’s Supreme Election Board (YSK) rejected a petition to cancel the congress, ruling unanimously against the appeal.

September 20, 2025 10:08 AM GMT+03:00