Turkish court orders CHP to organize new congress after annulling 2023 vote

A Turkish court has ordered the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) to organize a new congress after annulling the party’s 2023 leadership vote over allegations of irregularities.

Here is a timeline of how the events unfolded:

• Nov. 4-5, 2023: Ozgur Ozel defeats Kemal Kilicdaroglu to become CHP chairman at party congress.
• Late 2023-2024: CHP delegates and former Hatay Mayor Lutfu Savas file lawsuits seeking annulment of congress.
• Claims: Plaintiffs allege vote buying, political favors and irregularities during congress.
• 2024: Ankara prosecutors launch investigation into alleged vote rigging; CHP denies allegations and submits defense to court.
• May 2026: Court rules 2023 CHP congress legally invalid under “absolute nullity” principle.
• After ruling: Kemal Kilicdaroglu’s pre-congress administration temporarily reinstated to organize new congress.