AK Party prepares for congress, no early elections: Senior member

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) will be hosting its 8th Ordinary Grand Congress in Ankara on Sunday, Feb. 23. The congress serves as a platform for reorganizing internal dynamics and reviewing the current state of affairs.

The AK Party invited nine other political parties to its congress on Sunday but did not extend invitations to the DEVA Party and Gelecek Party (Future Party), both founded by former AK Party members, or the Kurdish-oriented DEM Party.

Kandemir, the AK Party’s head of organizational affairs, made statements regarding the preparations for the congress.

Speaking at a press briefing at AK Party headquarters, he said preparations were nearly complete and confirmed that invitations had been sent to nine political parties.

He stated they were expecting 100,000 attendees, saying: “We sent invitations to the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Good Party (IYI Party), Great Union Party (BBP), Free Cause Party (HUDAPAR), Yeniden Refah, Democratic Left Party (DSP), Saadet and Vatan Party. Some 95 ambassadors from 88 countries and 28 political party representatives from 13 countries have confirmed attendance.”

“Additionally, 127 domestic and international civil society organizations will take part. Families of martyrs, veterans, and representatives of individuals with special needs will also be present. Our congress will reflect all the colors of Türkiye,” he added.

Kandemir stated that congress is the most significant internal event where political parties assess themselves.

He highlighted that, in just 120 days, including youth and women’s branch congresses, a total of 3,162 congresses were completed. These events attracted 5 million participants, with over 1 million applications submitted for executive board positions.

“Our congresses were met with great enthusiasm. We saw a 65% renewal at the district level and 75% at the provincial level. Membership has grown, the average age in leadership has decreased, and female representation has increased,” he added.

‘No early elections’

Erkan Kandemir also addressed questions regarding the main opposition CHP call for early elections. “If it enters the national agenda, it will enter our agenda. But there is no such issue on the nation’s agenda. We remain focused on our work,” he responded.

On efforts toward a Türkiye free of terrorism, Kandemir said: “We envision a Türkiye where terrorism is no longer a topic of conversation.”

“We believe a historic opportunity has been seized. The initial steps and statements from those involved in the DEM talks are positive. We hope that by the end of the process, the PKK and its affiliates in Syria will lay down their arms,” he added.