CHP debates timing of selecting presidential candidate

ANKARA

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has launched an in-house debate over when to choose its presidential candidate after party leader Özgür Özel suggested to hold primaries with the participation of around 1.6 million party members without delay.

“I am of the opinion that it is too early to choose the presidential candidate. The election date is not known. Everything will change until that time,” Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, seen as one of CHP's potential candidates, told the reporters on Feb. 3.

However, he reiterated his calls on the government for holding early polls as it can no longer resolve the main problems of the people, particularly growing economic difficulties stemming from high inflation and the cost of living.

His statement came after Özel suggested to hold primary elections in the coming months to select the party’s candidate.

The CHP officials resorted to this idea after prosecutors opened investigations against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is considered to be the CHP’s top potential candidate. Selecting İmamoğlu as the candidate will protect him from further legal prosecutions and sentencing, the party officials believe.

Under normal conditions, Türkiye will hold next general and presidential elections in May 2028, but the opposition parties believe the government will opt for snap polls in the next period. At least 360 votes of 600 lawmakers are needed to go to early polls.

Asked about Yavaş’s opinion, İmamoğlu said they may differ on this, adding, “We’ll surely find the right way.”

“Obviously, the decision our party has taken is a historic democratic revolution. It is the first time in the history of the Republic of Türkiye that a political party is selecting its candidate through polls,” İmamoğlu said. “I am wholeheartedly supporting this democratic revolution.”

Özel has already announced that he won’t run for the presidency.