The Yüksek Seçim Kurulu (YSK) has officially declined to intervene in the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the leadership of the Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP). This decision follows a ruling by the Ankara Bölge Adliye Mahkemesi 36’ncı Hukuk Dairesi, which declared the party’s 38th Ordinary Congress, held on November 4-5, 2023, void under the principle of “absolute nullity.”
The appellate court’s decision effectively mandates the cancellation of all subsequent ordinary and extraordinary congresses and their associated decisions, while reinstating Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the preceding party bodies to their former roles. Özgür Özel, who was displaced from the CHP General Presidency by this ruling, has initiated legal objections through the Yargıtay and sought a resolution from the YSK.
Following a meeting of the Board, YSK President Serdar Mutta announced the rejection of the application submitted by Mehmet Hadimi Yakupoğlu. The application had argued that the enforcement of the appellate court’s injunction was both legally and physically impossible, citing that the delegacy of those elected during the 2023 congress had already expired under the Law on Political Parties.
the Board addressed a separate filing from attorney Kadri Gökhan Sultan, which requested that the YSK disregard petitions submitted by Yakupoğlu on the grounds that his representation had been terminated by Kılıçdaroğlu. The Board concluded that no decision was necessary regarding this matter. Correspondence sent to the YSK by the appellate court was returned without further action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary decision of the Ankara Bölge Adliye Mahkemesi 36’ncı Hukuk Dairesi?
The court ruled that the CHP’s 38th Ordinary Congress was void, ordered the cancellation of all subsequent congresses and decisions, and reinstated Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the previous party management.
What was the outcome of the CHP’s application to the YSK?
The YSK rejected the application, which had requested that the Board recognize the validity of congresses held after the 2023 event and confirm the authority of those elected in more recent proceedings.
How did the YSK respond to the request regarding the status of the party’s representative?
The Board determined that no decision was required regarding the petition to disregard filings from the party’s YSK representative, Mehmet Hadimi Yakupoğlu.
How do you believe this legal impasse will impact the future of political party administration in the country?
