CHP’s Özel calls for member vote to resolve leadership crisis
Ousted main opposition leader Özgür Özel called for a new leadership election open to the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) 2 million members during a rally on May 26, after a court decision annulled the previous convention and reinstated Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as chairman.
Addressing supporters in the western city of İzmir, Özel proposed that CHP members directly elect the party leader in an effort to resolve the growing internal crisis.
“Let’s have 2 million CHP members elect a chairman,” Özel said, arguing that a vote by the party base could end tensions within the main opposition party.
Kılıçdaroğlu, who returned to the post following the court ruling, faced protest slogans from sections of the crowd during the rally. Özel said a leadership race decided by party members could put an end to the backlash.
