24.10.2025 09:10
The six lawsuits filed regarding the 38th Ordinary Congress of the CHP held on November 4-5, 2023, and the 21st Extraordinary Congress on April 6, 2025, have been consolidated into a single case. Meanwhile, the CHP convened its 22nd Extraordinary Congress and re-elected Özgür Özel. As all eyes are on the decision that will come from the court today, there are four main scenarios in front of the court. Here are those options...
The six lawsuits filed regarding the 38th Ordinary Congress of the Republican People's Party (CHP) held on November 4-5, 2023, and the 21st Extraordinary Congress scheduled for April 6, 2025, were consolidated into a single case by the Ankara 42nd Civil Court of First Instance. In the last hearing on September 15, the court rejected the plaintiffs' request for a precautionary measure and postponed the hearing to October 24, 2025.
CHP HELD THE 22ND EXTRAORDINARY CONGRESS
Following the postponement decision, the CHP convened the 22nd Extraordinary Congress on September 21. At this congress, a vote of no confidence was first held against the party leader Özgür Özel and his administration, followed by a confidence vote. The majority of delegates supported Özel's leadership, and Özgür Özel was re-elected as the party leader.
"ABSOLUTE NULLITY" LAWSUIT TO BE HEARD TODAY
The annulment lawsuit filed regarding the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress, which includes a request for "absolute nullity," will be heard today at the Ankara 42nd Civil Court of First Instance.
The plaintiff side claimed that the will of the delegates was systematically undermined during the congress process, that irregularities occurred, and that the party was "illegally seized." The petition argued that "the congress is null and void, akin to the poisonous fruit of a poisonous tree."
The CHP administration rejected the allegations, stating that the process was conducted in accordance with intra-party democracy.
FOUR POSSIBLE SCENARIOS
In today's hearing, the court may decide on one of the following four possibilities:
Rejection of the lawsuit: If the court finds the allegations insufficient, it will reject the lawsuit. In this case, the current administration led by Özgür Özel will continue its duties, and the influence of intra-party opposition will weaken.
Postponement: The court may choose to wait for the completion of the 39th Ordinary Congress process instead of making a decision. In this case, the lawsuit will be postponed again, and uncertainty within the party will continue.
"Absolute nullity" decision: In the most severe scenario, if the court finds the allegations justified and decides on "absolute nullity," the results of the 38th Congress will be considered null and void. In this case, the Özel administration will be deemed to have never taken office, and a new congress process will be initiated by a "calling committee." The possibility of former party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu re-entering the scene will arise.
Appointment of a temporary administration or calling committee: The court may issue a limited precautionary measure instead of outright annulment. In this case, the current administration will be temporarily removed from office, and a calling committee appointed by the court will convene the congress. This option is being discussed in the corridors as a "balance formula."
THE CONGRESS PROCESS CONTINUES IN CHP
The CHP has held congresses three times in the last two years. The Party Assembly decided that the 39th Ordinary Congress will be held on November 28-30, 2025, at the Ankara Arena Sports Hall, one day before the hearing on October 24.
Provincial congresses were completed on October 22, and approximately 1,300 delegates are expected to go to the polls at the end of November. There are comments in the corridors that the hearing may be postponed to December, thus leaving the lawsuit without a subject after the congress.
It is stated that at this congress, party leader Özgür Özel will seek renewal in the party administration.
NEW LAWSUIT APPLICATIONS
On the other hand, some former delegates, including former Hatay Metropolitan Mayor Lütfü Savaş, have applied again to the Ankara 42nd Civil Court of First Instance for the annulment of the provincial congress elections held during the 39th Congress process.
In the application, it was requested that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the former party administration be reinstated, claiming that the 22nd Extraordinary Congress is "null and void."