Court annuls CHP convention, restores Kılıçdaroğlu leadership
A court ruled on May 21 that the main opposition Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) 2023 convention was legally invalid, reinstating former Chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and his administration in a decision that deepens a growing internal crisis.
The lawsuit sought annulment of the CHP’s 38th ordinary convention, at which current leader Özgür Özel defeated Kılıçdaroğlu in a leadership vote.
In its ruling, the court declared the convention a case of “complete nullity,” meaning all decisions and appointments made during the convention were deemed legally void. The decision invalidated Özel’s leadership as well as the current central executive board, party council and high disciplinary board.
The ruling came a day after Kılıçdaroğlu released a video message calling on the CHP to “purify itself,” further escalating tensions over legal proceedings regarding the alleged irregularities at the convention.
