Özgür Özel has been re-elected as chairman of Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) in an uncontested vote, consolidating his leadership at a critical moment for the party and the country’s political opposition.

Delegates gathered at the CHP’s 22nd Extraordinary Congress, held at the Nazım Hikmet Cultural Center in Ankara’s Yenimahalle district, where Özel received all 835 valid votes cast. Of the 1,127 registered delegates, 917 took part in the voting process, with 82 ballots declared invalid. The vote marks Özel’s third re-election to the party leadership in just two years.

Notably, several key groups—including Istanbul delegates, natural delegates, and 352 delegates appointed by party headquarters—chose not to participate in the election, a sign of the party’s ongoing internal debates.

In his address to the congress, Özel delivered a fiery speech aimed at the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), accusing it of seeking to “paralyze the opposition” through legal maneuvers and political pressure.

“We have paid many prices, we pay them, and we will continue to pay them. But today, the reason CHP is targeted is the possibility of a change in power,” Özel declared. “The current government is attacking CHP because it sees CHP as the structure that can change it through elections. They are trying to paralyze it, turn CHP into a structure with internal fights, and, if possible, divide CHP and get rid of it.”

The congress, held against a backdrop of mounting political polarization, highlighted the CHP’s efforts to project unity and readiness for upcoming elections. Özel called on members to remain disciplined and committed to the party’s mission, positioning CHP as the leading vehicle for democratic change in Türkiye.

Political analysts say Özel’s uncontested re-election signals a period of consolidation within the CHP, though challenges remain for uniting the broader opposition in the face of AK Party dominance and ongoing debates over strategy.

With his renewed mandate, Özel is expected to focus on strengthening the CHP’s grassroots organization, coordinating with opposition allies, and sharpening the party’s message ahead of future electoral contests. (ILKHA)