Surprise move by İmamoğlu from CHP: DEM Party did not accept the 'Tunceli formula'

02.04.2026 15:03

After the call for a by-election by CHP leader Özgür Özel, the claim of a "Tunceli formula" for İmamoğlu came to the fore in the corridors, but the DEM Party categorically rejected the scenario that the deputy would resign.

The call for a 'by-election' by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel ignited a new debate in the public sphere, while a striking claim emerged in political circles. It was suggested that the 'Tunceli formula' is being discussed for the imprisoned Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

BY-ELECTION DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE 

Özgür Özel recalled that after the May 14, 2023 elections, the status of 8 deputies was revoked, signaling that 22 deputies could resign for a by-election decision to be made. Following this statement, discussions about by-elections gained significant attention in the political agenda.

CHP'S TUNCELI FORMULA 

According to the claim voiced in the corridors; it was planned for Ayten Kordu, the DEM Party Deputy representing Tunceli, which is represented by only one deputy in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, to resign and for Ekrem İmamoğlu to be nominated in the renewed election.

DEM PARTY'S REJECTION 

A clear response came from the DEM Party regarding the claim. According to journalist Hilal Köylü's discussions with DEM Party members, the party expressed that it is completely closed to this formula. DEM Party officials firmly rejected the claims, stating, “Why would our Tunceli deputy resign? It’s not possible. Resignation is not an option.”

DOĞAN'S "NOT ON OUR AGENDA" STATEMENT 

DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan stated that they understood CHP Chairman Özgür Özel's call for a by-election and local elections, but emphasized that the party's primary agenda is not elections but the Imralı Process. "Therefore, we know that a discussion of an election atmosphere also creates an effect that covers some issues. Democratization," she expressed. In her statement, Doğan said, "One of the most fundamental agendas of our party right now, one of the most urgent, most immediate agendas is, just as CHP Chairman Özgür Özel pointed out on the anniversary of March 31, democratization..."