01.06.2026 12:20
Özgür Özel, whose tenure as Chairman in CHP ended due to a nullity decision, stated that the first signatures have been collected for an extraordinary congress. Özel said, 'We got our first signature from Kayseri. This signature came from an elder who stood against us in the last congress and strongly opposed us. He described this situation as 'resisting together against this unjust coup that disrespects the elected and insults the will of the congress.'
Following the 'absolute nullity' decision within the CHP, Özgür Özel, who gathered with his aides to determine the roadmap, announced that delegates have started collecting signatures for an extraordinary congress. Özel stated they aim to complete the application as soon as possible with over 550 signatures.
Özgür Özel accelerated his internal party work after yesterday's Central Executive Board (MYK) meeting. Today at 09:45, Özel convened the Presidential Candidate Office Executive Board at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) to discuss the steps to be taken and the new roadmap following the 'absolute nullity' ruling against the party. At the end of the meeting, Özel answered questions from the press and made critical statements about the congress process.
'THE FIRST SIGNATURE CARRIES SYMBOLIC MEANING'
Announcing that the signature process for the extraordinary congress has officially begun, Özel stated that the first signature came from the Kayseri delegation around 08:00 in the morning. Pointing out the significance of this signature, Özel said:
'We got our first signature with the note: 'First harvest from Kayseri, abundance from God.' This signature came from an elder who stood against us in the previous congress and harshly opposed us. He described this as 'standing together against this unjust coup, which disrespects the elected and insults the will of the congress.' These signatures reflect a very valuable stance that prioritizes being on the side of the party together, not taking sides within the party.'
'PRIORITY ON PARTY ORGANIZATION'
Özel reported that immediately after the first signature from Kayseri, the Rize delegation completed all their signatures in just 10 minutes, and they are receiving rapid responses from across Turkey. Özel added that members of parliament have not yet joined the signature process, as they strategically chose to first collect signatures from the party organization.
'GOVERNANCE WITHOUT A VOTE IS NOT RIGHT'
Reminding that they legally need just over 550 signatures to convene the congress, Özel noted they anticipate reaching this number very quickly. Emphasizing that they want to submit the application without delay with the highest possible number of signatures, Özel concluded:
'It is not right for the party that brought the ballot box to Turkey to be governed without a ballot box result within its own ranks. This situation deeply wounds both our party and the country.'