Özgür Özel calls for party congress within 40 days, proposes interim committee leader

Özgür Özel, who has been elected as the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), criticized the party's current administration for what he described as interference with the will of elected officials. Speaking in Bilecik, Özel highlighted instances where provincial and women's branch leaderships were reportedly dismissed or overridden by Ankara-based decisions.

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We are seeking our rights in the courts now. We submitted the signatures, but no action was taken. We want this congress to be held within 40 days and we want a call for a committee.

"It's not right. What's more, it's even worse that they are dismissing the women's branches," Özel stated, referencing the situation in Bilecik where a chosen women's branch leader was allegedly replaced. He also pointed to the youth branches, suggesting that decisions made by local party members were being invalidated by older party officials in the capital. Özel argued that such actions undermine the democratic process within the party.

Özel outlined a roadmap for internal reform, emphasizing the need for a party congress. He announced that the party is pursuing legal action to ensure the congress is held within 40 days. "We are seeking our rights in the courts now," he said. To manage the interim period, Özel proposed Murat Karayalçın to head a provisional committee tasked with organizing the congress.

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We propose Murat Karayalçın for the chairmanship of the call committee.

He further elaborated on the push for a new election, mentioning that signatures from delegates supporting an immediate congress had been submitted but not acted upon. Özel expressed frustration with the current leadership's refusal to hold a new election, despite a significant number of delegates reportedly calling for it. The party is now looking to the courts to compel the leadership to schedule the congress.

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Is it acceptable for someone who was not elected to govern? The call committee will come within 40 days, make a decision on the election, and take it to the congress.