A Turkish court in Ankara has annulled the 2023 congress of the Republican People's Party (CHP), effectively ousting its chairman, Ozgur Ozel. The ruling overturns a previous lower court decision that had dismissed claims of irregularities, ordering that Ozel be replaced by his predecessor, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
The decision stems from allegations of vote buying, with prosecutors claiming Ozel secured the leadership through promises of jobs and other kickbacks. While an Ankara court rejected a CHP appeal on Friday, the party has sought further recourse from a higher court and the Supreme Election Board (YSK). Despite the judgment, Ozel has vowed not to give in.
This development has inflamed a political crisis and jolted financial markets. Critics suggest the move aims to prolong President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 23-year rule. The ruling deals a significant blow to the opposition, which is already struggling under waves of legal cases targeting its members and elected officials.
The opposition's efforts to unseat President Erdogan are further complicated by the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who has been on trial for corruption charges since March last year. While the next presidential election is scheduled for 2028, Erdogan maintains the authority to call for an early vote.