Court ruling sparks power struggle and historic splits inside Turkey

ALBAWABA – Turkey’s main opposition party is in the throes of an internal crisis after a court decision invalidated its leadership election in 2023, sparking a struggle for power that threatens to splinter the movement at a pivotal junction in Turkish politics.

The party congress that sent Özel to the helm was challenged over alleged irregularities, and an appeals court ruling reappointed former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and ousted Özel as chairman.

Özel and his followers have fought the verdict hard, saying the court is interfering in party matters. Many parliamentarians and local party organizations have supported Özel, who has vowed to fight the judgment and continue to defend his leadership through legal and political ways.

The row has rapidly escalated into the gravest internal rift the Republican People’s Party (CHP) has seen in years. Rival factions have traded accusations, with senior party leaders increasingly warning the dispute could sap the opposition’s ability to fight the government.

And behind the scenes, work is ongoing to prevent a permanent separation. Some members want to negotiate and compromise while others want to call another congress so members can select the leadership again. But such plans have been hampered by differences about who should be allowed to vote in any future ballot. 

The spillover has affected the wider political scene in Turkey. Özel and his allies accuse the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of benefitting from the judicial intervention, saying it comes after the opposition’s wins in local elections and increasing pressure on the government.

Political leaders around the country have urged moderation, warning that further infighting could stall the opposition’s momentum heading into future elections. Security has been increased around party buildings as supporters of both sides continue to mobilise.

Appeals still pending and no resolution in sight, the CHP now confronts a decisive test: emerge unified from the leadership dispute or risk a devastating split that might redefine the future of Turkey’s opposition movement. 
 

المصدر: Al Bawaba