Top election board rejects CHP appeal over congress ruling
A security staff member of Republican People's Party (CHP) stands behind the closed main gate of the party's headquarters' entrance before a protest against allegations of vote buying at the CHP congress in November 2023, in Ankara on May 22, 2026.
Türkiye’s Supreme Election Council (YSK) has rejected an appeal against a court ruling that annulled the main opposition CHP’s congress process on grounds of “absolute nullity,” deepening uncertainty inside the party.
An Ankara court ruled on May 21 that the CHP’s 38th ordinary convention, where Özgür Özel defeated longtime chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, was a case of “complete nullity” due to alleged irregularities. The decision effectively reinstated Kılıçdaroğlu as party leader.
YSK rejected the application unanimously, with its reasoned decision expected to be announced later, according to reports citing YSK Chairman Serdar Mutta.
