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Ozgur Ozel was re-elected as chairman of Türkiye's main opposition Republican People's Party on Saturday, capturing all 1,333 valid votes cast by delegates at the party's 39th Ordinary Congress in a resounding show of unity.
Running unopposed in the leadership election, Ozel received unanimous support from party delegates gathered at Ankara Sports Hall, where the congress convened for its second day of proceedings. The voting process, which lasted two hours, concluded with the announcement that solidified Ozel's position for a fourth consecutive term at the helm of the century-old political party.
"You have done something remarkable by giving a party chairman the highest vote in party history, sending a tremendous message to Türkiye," Ozel told delegates in a speech following the results announcement. He deflected credit for the outcome, stating he would not even attribute three of the votes to himself, instead characterizing the unanimous tally as a demonstration of delegates' resolve and commitment.
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The day's proceedings, which resumed at 10:00 a.m. under presiding officer Ayse Unluce, Eskisehir's metropolitan mayor, saw delegates approve work and account reports along with the congress's final declaration by unanimous vote. Ozel indicated that changes to the party program mean the opposition bloc's government program is now prepared, though he did not elaborate on specific policy details.
The Republican People's Party, founded in 1923 and Türkiye's oldest political organization, holds these ordinary congresses periodically to elect leadership and set party direction. Delegates gather to vote on the party chairman, as well as members of the Party Council and High Disciplinary Board.
With this fourth consecutive victory, Ozel has consolidated his control over the center-left opposition party during a period of sustained single-party governance in Türkiye. The unanimous vote contrasts with previous contested leadership races in the party's history, signaling current alignment within CHP ranks around Ozel's stewardship.
The congress will conclude Sunday with elections for regular and alternate members of the Party Council and High Disciplinary Board, completing the organizational structure that will guide the party through its next term.
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