05.06.2026 07:00
While the congress and 'nullity' debates continue in the CHP, it is claimed that the party is preparing a new party against potential legal risks. In the efforts reportedly led by Özgür Özel's team, it is rumored that if a new party is established, its name would be 'İstiklal Party'. It is stated that consultations have been held with Ekrem İmamoğlu in the process, and it is also alleged that another political party with election eligibility is being kept as a backup against a possible election scenario.
In the CHP, a notable claim has emerged in the ongoing process regarding congress debates and a potential "nullity" decision. It is alleged that the CHP is preparing to establish a new party in case it is prevented from entering the elections, and the name of the party to be founded would be "İstiklal Party."
In the CHP, the communication channel between Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Özgür Özel's team has been opened to some extent. It was reported that Kılıçdaroğlu designated a member of the Central Executive Board and his lawyer for the meetings, while Özgür Özel appointed two names. It was stated that the designated individuals would come together to discuss the issues and solutions.
It was noted that Engin Altay, Gürsel Erol, and Ali Öztunç, who have dialogue with both sides, are maintaining their contacts. However, it was claimed that there are individuals on both sides who do not want a compromise.
It was recalled that Özgür Özel said in his holiday statement, "They want to distance us from our party, but we will not leave," while it was alleged that if the CHP congress is not held by July 26, the party might be unable to participate in the elections.
According to what Sözcü newspaper columnist Saygı Öztürk reported, it was claimed that the CHP administration is preparing for this possibility, planning to establish not one but two political parties and to have both ready for early elections.
PRIORITY IS THE CHP CONGRESS
It was stated that Özgür Özel's priority is to convene the CHP congress. In this context, it was reported that 900 delegates have signed for the congress to be held, the congress petition letters will be delivered to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, and the party will be requested to be called to congress within 15 days. It was stated that if this request is not fulfilled, a lawsuit will be filed in the Civil Court of Peace.
Meanwhile, it was alleged that a silent effort is being made to establish a new political party to gain time. It was emphasized that while establishing a party is possible with 30 people coming together and submitting a petition to the Ministry of Interior, the real process begins after the establishment petition.
CONDITIONS FOR ELECTION PARTICIPATION
For a newly established party to participate in the elections, it must meet the conditions set by the Political Parties Law and the Supreme Election Council. Accordingly, the party must have established its organization in at least half of the provinces, i.e., 41 provinces, at least 6 months before election day. To be considered organized in a province, it is mandatory to establish district organizations in at least one-third of the districts of that province, including the central district.
In provinces where organization is complete, the grand congress must be held at least 6 months before election day. Additionally, it is required that district, provincial, and grand congresses are not neglected more than twice consecutively within the periods specified in the party's bylaws. It was stated that the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office of the Court of Cassation will review the latest membership and organization records, and parties that meet the legal conditions and are found qualified to enter the elections by the Supreme Election Council will be announced in the Official Gazette before the elections. Parties that cannot enter this list will not be able to participate in the elections.
PREPARATION FOR THE NEW PARTY
While noting that the process of establishing a new party is not easy, the establishment process of the İYİ Party was cited as an example. It was recalled that Meral Akşener said at the time, "I will come with my chair and sit in front of the Ministry of Interior," amid allegations that the party's establishment would be blocked.
It was stated that for the İYİ Party to participate in the elections, the CHP lent 15 deputies, allowing the party to form a parliamentary group and overcome the obstacle to election participation. However, it was noted that today, even if a newly established party has a group in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, this is not taken into account for election participation.
It was stated that a party that could be established under Özgür Özel's leadership cannot be evaluated in the same way as the establishment processes of the İYİ Party, Future Party, and DEVA Party. This is because it was claimed that the party Özgür Özel would establish would be founded with 110 deputies and would become the main opposition party on the day it is established. Additionally, it was alleged that approximately 370 out of 420 CHP mayors appear to support Özgür Özel.
ENSAR AYTEKİN IS CARRYING OUT THE WORK
It was reported that the new party establishment efforts in the CHP are being carried out by Balıkesir deputy Ensar Aytekin, who served as the Deputy Chairman responsible for Organization during Özgür Özel's chairmanship. It was stated that Aytekin began these efforts before the "nullity" decision, as it was anticipated that such a decision could be made.
It was noted that the claim that the CHP could be prevented from participating in the elections and could be dissolved on the grounds that its congresses were invalid was included in the prosecutor's indictment. Therefore, it was alleged that the CHP is preparing for every possibility. It was claimed that in case the CHP is prevented from entering the elections, there will be a backup party, and not stopping there, a party with fewer voters among the 41 political parties eligible to participate in the elections will also be kept as a reserve.
THE NAME OF THE NEW PARTY WILL BE "İSTİKLAL PARTY"
While Özgür Özel is carrying out these efforts, he is also exchanging views with Ekrem İmamoğlu, the CHP's presidential candidate and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, who has been held in prison since March 21, 2025.
In the backstage, it is being discussed that if a new party is established, its name will be "İstiklal Party." It is noted that this name is being mentioned in a narrow circle, and different name suggestions may come up during the process. It is also stated that the option of changing the name of a party with fewer voters that is eligible to participate in the elections is being considered.