CHP District Leaders in Bilecik Back Elected Party Leadership, Emphasize Organization's Will
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Eight district chairmen of the Republican People's Party (CHP) in Bilecik province have jointly announced their support for the party's elected leader, Özgür Özel, and provincial chairman Ali Özdemir.
- They emphasized that the party's foundation rests on the will of its organization, not appointments, and that no authority supersedes the organization's mandate.
- The statement urged party members to remain composed and united, asserting that the CHP's strength lies in its organization and its determination to overcome challenges and pursue power.
Eight district chairmen of Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP) in Bilecik province have issued a joint statement backing the party's elected leader, Özgür Özel, and the provincial chairman, Ali Özdemir. The declaration underscores a commitment to party democracy and the will of the organization above all else.
We recognize no authority above the organization's will.
"We recognize no authority above the organization's will," the statement declared, asserting that the CHP's strength stems from its members and elected delegates. The party chairmen stressed that positions within the CHP must be earned through democratic congresses and the trust of the organization, not through appointments. They criticized any attempts to assume office without the approval of members and delegates, deeming it contrary to the party's traditions and principles.
The CHP's foundation is built on the will of the organization, not appointments.
The statement also highlighted that the CHP's essence is not defined by its offices or buildings but by the will of the people, the hard work of its organization, and its enduring struggle for democracy. The district leaders pledged to remain with the people, mirroring the actions of the past. They called on all members to exercise good judgment and avoid despair or resignation, emphasizing that the party's true power resides in its organization, which is capable of overcoming any pressure or imposition through unity and solidarity.
We believe the effort of the organization and democratic legitimacy are above any position or title.
"No one can ignore our organization's will, halt our march to power, or obstruct our struggle for democracy," the chairmen asserted. They concluded by affirming that the CHP will continue to grow through the will of its organization and move forward resolutely for Turkey's future. As district chairmen elected by the will of their respective communities, they stand with their elected provincial chairman, Ali Özdemir.
No one can ignore our organization's will, halt our march to power, or obstruct our struggle for democracy.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.