Turkish court to rule on legitimacy of opposition party congress

A Turkish court is expected to rule on Monday on whether to annul an internal leadership election of the country's main opposition party over alleged irregularities, a decision that could restore the party's unpopular former leader and inflame political tensions.

The court in Ankara is set to deliver its verdict on the legitimacy of the 38th congress of the Republican People's Party, or CHP, held in November 2023, which ousted long-time leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu and elected current chairman Ozgur Ozel. The case alleges electoral fraud, including buying votes and procedural violations. The CHP has denied the accusations, describing the legal action as a politically motivated attempt by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government to undermine the opposition through judicial pressure rather than democratic means.

Erdogan's government maintains that Turkiye's courts are impartial and free from political interference, insisting investigations into the party are solely focused on corruption.

Critics view the case as part of a broader crackdown on the CHP, which made significant gains in last year's local elections. They argue the move is designed to weaken the opposition ahead of national elections scheduled for 2028, which could be held earlier.

Municipalities controlled by the CHP have faced waves of arrests this year. Among those targeted is Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who remains in pre-trial custody on corruption charges he denies. Imamoglu is widely seen as a potential challenger to Erdogan, and his March arrest triggered widespread protests.

Earlier this month, a court removed the CHP's elected provincial leadership in Istanbul and appointed an interim chairman to oversee the local branch. Police escorted the court-appointed official to the party's Istanbul headquarters, using pepper spray to disperse party members and supporters who resisted his arrival.

If the congress is annulled, the court could appoint trustees to oversee the party or reinstate Kilicdaroglu as chairman, a move likely to deepen internal divisions.

Kilicdaroglu has signalled his willingness to return to leadership, but observers note he remains deeply unpopular among CHP supporters after a string of electoral defeats against Erdogan.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)