CHP’s 38th Ordinary Congress Annulled: Court Rules in Favor of Kılıçdaroğlu and Former Administration

Court Annuls CHP Congress: Kılıçdaroğlu and Former Administration Return to Office

The 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Appeal has issued a landmark ruling regarding the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4–5, 2023. The court ruled that the congress was invalid due to violations of mandatory legal provisions and declared it annulled under the principle of “absolute nullity.”

According to the ruling, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and the current party administration were temporarily removed from office. Former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the previous party organs were ordered to resume their duties.

The legal process began after the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into allegations of irregularities during the CHP congress. Former Hatay Metropolitan Mayor Lütfü Savaş and several delegates subsequently filed lawsuits seeking the annulment of the congress. The cases were later merged at the Ankara 42nd Civil Court of First Instance.

The lower court had previously ruled that there was no need for a decision because the case had become “devoid of subject matter.” It had also dismissed Lütfü Savaş’s lawsuit on the grounds that he lacked legal standing to file the case. However, following an appellate review, the Ankara Regional Court of Appeal overturned the lower court’s assessment and concluded that the congress was legally invalid.

The court further stated that not only the 38th Ordinary Congress, but also all ordinary and extraordinary congresses held afterward, along with all decisions taken during those processes, were annulled.

The ruling is expected to have significant repercussions in Turkish politics. Statements from CHP officials and other political parties are anticipated, while attention is now focused on whether the decision will be appealed to the Supreme Court of Appeals.

Kaynak: İhlas News Agency (IHA)