CHP announces plan for extraordinary meeting following the cancellation of the Istanbul Congress, their primary gathering

Gathering will shape the course of our political party, according to the CHP deputy chair.

, and Administrator

2025 September 15 . 12:51 PM

2 min read

CHP Planning to Convene Extraordinary Congress Following Cancellation of Istanbul Congress

CHP announces plan for extraordinary meeting following the cancellation of the Istanbul Congress, their primary gathering

The Republican People's Party (CHP) of Turkey is set to convene an extraordinary congress on September 21, 2025, amidst ongoing legal challenges and a "siege" against the party. The decision comes in response to a court annulling the party's 2023 Istanbul congress and dismissing its provincial leadership.

In a statement, party chairman Ozgur Ozel asserted, "They won't silence the CHP and name an opposition that suits them." He also emphasised, "It's not only the opposition that is threatened but the multi-party system: this is a regime that usurps democracy."

The annulled 38th Istanbul Provincial Congress, which was held in October 2023, resulted in the removal of Ozgur Celik and 195 others from office due to the court's decision. A similar lawsuit against the national leadership of CHP is pending and scheduled to resume in Ankara on Sept 15. If convicted, they could face up to three years in prison.

The upcoming congress aims to determine the future of the party and reaffirm pluralism, diversity of voices, and democratic politics in Turkey. The congress was announced by CHP Deputy Chair Gul Ciftci.

In a bid to maintain opposition presence despite government attempts to neutralize or split the party, the CHP is considering a form of dual existence strategy. This would involve one official CHP branch under government-appointed trustees holding legal recognition, and an independent grassroots CHP rallying around imprisoned leaders but lacking formal power.

The news of the annulled congress and the subsequent legal challenges led to a 5.5% plunge in Türkiye's stock market. Istanbul prosecutors filed an indictment against Celik and nine other CHP members over alleged vote rigging at the 2023 congress.

Despite the challenges, the CHP has vowed to never compromise on democracy, the rule of law, or freedoms. In Ozel's words, "The Republican People's Party, in its 102-year history, has defended the will of the people against all forms of pressure, obstruction, and intervention."

The congress was announced on an unspecified date, with details about the agenda and attendees yet to be disclosed. The CHP remains resolute in its commitment to uphold democratic values and continue its opposition to the current regime.