09.05.2025 08:30
The leader of the CHP, Özgür Özel, responded live to claims that 22 CHP deputies would resign, leading to a decision for a 'by-election.' Özel stated, "These are within the realm of possibility," and added, "Currently, there are 8 vacant seats. Let's say 22 more deputies resign, making it 30. And these resignations will be voted on. If they are voted on, there will be an election in 90 days. If a party comes out and says, 'No, you cannot resign,' there will be a cost to that."
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Republic People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel made important statements regarding the political agenda during a live broadcast on Sözcü TV.
Regarding the claims raised in recent weeks that "there will be resignations of deputies in the CHP and thus a by-election will be held," Özel responded, "These are within the realm of possibility."
"A BY-ELECTION CAN BE HELD IN A 1.5-YEAR PERIOD"
Pointing out that 8 names have been removed from the deputy roster following the death of Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Özel used the following expressions regarding the by-election discussions:
"Let me put it very simply. First, our Constitution states: 'A by-election can be held once in a term.' This by-election can be held before 25 months or 30 months pass, that is, until November. Also, it cannot be held in the last year. In other words, you do not hold it in the first 2.5 years, nor in the last year; you can hold it in the 1.5 years in between. It states that it can be held once. There is no need for the resignation of new deputies for the by-election to take place. It is held for the existing vacancies. Currently, there are eight deputies missing, which makes it eight with the late Sırrı Süreyya Önder.
"IF 22 MORE DEPUTIES VACATE THEIR SEATS, A BALLOT WILL BE HELD ON THE 90TH DAY FOLLOWING"
When 2.5 years are completed, the task is to make a decision for a by-election for the vacancies. There is no need for resignations for this. But the Constitution also states, 'If all deputies in a province vacate their seats, a ballot will be held within 90 days.' The 90th day will be followed on Sunday. It also states, 'If 5% of the Parliament vacates, a ballot will be held within 90 days.' There is no need to wait for November for this.
If there are currently eight vacancies. It says 22 more, 30 more. It will total 30. If 22 more deputies vacate their seats, then a by-election ballot will be held on the following 90th day, which will be a Sunday. The Constitution states so. That’s why I asked, 'Where do you see the place that will be affected?' Some say, 'They may not hold the ballot on the 90th day.' The Constitution says 'they will.' Forget about 'they may not hold the ballot on the 90th day,' they may not accept the resignations of the resigning deputies. This is a method. If a deputy resigns, the Speaker of the Parliament checks within seven days whether the signature is correct. Then it is presented to the General Assembly of the Parliament for voting, with those who accept and those who do not.
"NOT ACCEPTING DEPUTY RESIGNATIONS WILL HAVE POLITICAL COST"
Now, I am not saying that we will do this right now, but since this issue has been raised, I am saying it to be answered thoroughly. Currently, there are 8 vacant seats. Let’s say 22 more deputies resign, making it 30. And these resignations will be voted on. If they are voted on, there will be an election in 90 days. A party comes out and says, 'No, you cannot resign, you cannot go, I do not want to hold an election.' This also has a political cost.
IN WHICH CITIES WILL THE BY-ELECTION BE HELD?
You are putting the ballot in front of the people, and they are avoiding that ballot. This issue needs to be addressed in mid-November, and I hope the current eight does not increase. If someone is elected to another position, I don’t know, two friends may become ministers from the AK Party, which will create a vacancy. It does not necessarily have to be due to death. It can happen. In such a case, it is inevitable to hold a ballot for those places. Where will it be held? It will be held in Kastamonu, Uşak, Kütahya, in the first region of Istanbul, in the third region of Istanbul, and so on. If there are 30 or more resignations of deputies, it will also be held in the other places they vacated. There is no early election; this is called a by-election."
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