22.03.2025 12:23
Ekrem İmamoğlu, who testified in a corruption investigation and was also questioned in a terrorism investigation, will be referred to the prosecutor's office at 21:00. There are discussions about the possibility of him being brought into the Parliament through a by-election formula if he is arrested. For this to happen, Ayten Kordu, the sole MP from Tunceli representing the DEM Party, needs to resign.
Ekrem İmamoğlu's diploma was first revoked, and then he was detained on the grounds of being the leader of a criminal organization in two separate investigations. Following these developments, various scenarios are being discussed in political circles regarding a possible arrest.
WHAT AWAITS İMAMOĞLU AND İBB?
What could happen after the investigation is also a matter of curiosity. At this point, there are four possibilities:
He may be released: In this case, he can continue his duties from where he left off.
Even if released, he may be removed from office: The Ministry of Interior may decide to remove him from office and appoint a trustee, citing the ongoing investigation as a reason.
He may be arrested on terrorism charges: If he is arrested on the charge of "aiding a terrorist organization," the Ministry of Interior may appoint a trustee in Istanbul.
If arrested on organized crime charges: In this case, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council may elect a new mayor internally, as was the case in Beşiktaş Municipality.
IMMUNITY SHIELD FOR İMAMOĞLU
According to a report by Ayşegül Kahvecioğlu from Milliyet; if an arrest warrant is issued, the first option among the alternatives is to ensure that İmamoğlu gains "immunity" by being brought into the Parliament through an "interim election" formula. Article 7 of the Law on Parliamentary Elections states that if there is a vacancy in the membership of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), an interim election will be held. An interim election cannot be held until 30 months have passed since the general election and within one year before the general elections. If the number of vacant memberships reaches 5% of the total number of members, the TBMM decides to hold interim elections within three months. This means that if 30 members resign in the TBMM, which has a total of 600 members, an interim election is possible. Currently, there are seven members short in the Parliament, including those who have passed away after being elected. In this case, an interim election can be held if 23 members from the opposition side resign. However, due to the "30-month condition," this option cannot be realized before November 2025.
TUNCELİ POSSIBILITY IS BEING DISCUSSED IN THE LOBBIES
According to the same law, if there are no members from a province or electoral district in the TBMM, an interim election can be held on the first Sunday after 90 days following the vacancy. The formula of renewing the elections after the resignation of the current member representing Tunceli, which is represented by a single seat in the Parliament, and İmamoğlu being nominated from Tunceli is also being discussed in the lobbies.
The only seat of Tunceli in the Parliament belongs to Ayten Kordu from the DEM Party. Whether it is possible for a member from the DEM Party to resign in the process that has evolved into a new phase with the call for the PKK to lay down arms, referred to as a Terror-Free Turkey, is also a topic of debate.