MWE Correspondent
Özgür Özel has been re-elected as leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), in a congress held on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
Despite ongoing legal challenges targeting the party, Özel secured 835 of the 917 delegate votes, affirming his position at a time of heightened political tension.
The re-election comes amid multiple court cases against the CHP, including one seeking to annul Özel’s leadership election from November 2023, citing alleged voting irregularities. While these legal battles raise uncertainty, party members rallied behind Özel, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of what critics say are politically motivated attempts to weaken opposition forces.
Observers note that the opposition in Turkey has been navigating increasingly complex terrain. Several prominent figures face arrests or legal charges, a pattern opponents of the government argue is part of a broader strategy by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to consolidate power and restrict dissent. Within this context, Özel’s re-election signals a determination by CHP members to maintain cohesion and a clear leadership structure despite legal uncertainties.
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Özel himself framed the vote as a reaffirmation of the party’s mission. “This congress shows that our members stand together, committed to democracy and the voice of the people,” he told delegates. Analysts say the timing of this vote was strategic: by securing another mandate, Özel strengthens his hand ahead of any potential court decisions that could challenge his authority.
Across Turkey, citizens following the news expressed a mixture of relief and cautious optimism. For supporters of the CHP, Özel embodies continuity and a willingness to stand firm in a politically fraught environment. “It feels important that the party is united now,” said one delegate, reflecting the hope that cohesion could help the opposition withstand pressure and continue to advocate for democratic principles.
The upcoming weeks remain crucial. The legal outcomes, combined with ongoing political pressures, will test not only Özel’s leadership but the broader resilience of opposition movements in Turkey.
