Internal tensions erupt in main opposition over early presidential candidacy debate

Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), which continuously brings up calls for early elections in Türkiye, has begun discussions about the presidential candidacy early.

Tensions within the party intensified following CHP Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas’s remarks at the recent charter congress.

Some members argued: “We should not be discussing the presidency at this stage. We don’t want to repeat the Kilicdaroglu (former leader and presidential candidate) crisis.”

Others suggested that “Although we were bound to face this eventually, it might be beneficial that it is happening now.”

Istanbul-Ankara clash within main opposition

Following the local elections, which saw a shift towards moderation, debates over ‘early elections‘ and candidacy have heated up within Türkiye’s main opposition CHP.

CHP leader Ozgur Ozel addressed the candidacy issue, saying, “We currently have two potential candidates: Mansur Yavas and Ekrem Imamoglu (Istanbul Mayor). However, new figures are also emerging. It’s crucial to assemble the best team from these candidates.”

“When a penalty is awarded in the final moments of a match, the coach doesn’t take it himself; he lets the most in-form player take it,” Ozel further added, implying that both Yavas and Imamoglu are in the running for the presidential nomination.

Last week, the debate about candidacy took center stage at the CHP’s charter congress. After Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu spoke, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas took the floor, stating: “I didn’t intend to spark controversy, but I also wanted to give a prepared speech addressing Türkiye’s issues and my views on them. Unfortunately, I was only informed an hour ago.”

However, Ozel later acknowledged that the responsibility for the incident rested with him.

‘It’s premature to discuss presidential candidacy’

According to insider information from Turkish media outlet Duvar newspaper, many CHP officials described the timing of the debate as premature and unhelpful.

Some executives warned against repeating the mistake made in the 2023 elections, where Kilicdaroglu was chosen as the presidential candidate, stating: “We should not discuss the presidency prematurely. Early candidate selection is unwise. However, we also want to avoid a second Kilicdaroğlu crisis. We need to manage this process carefully and time it correctly.”

Others remarked: “We were bound to face this issue eventually; perhaps it is beneficial that it is coming to light now.”

Party members generally agree that while it is inadvisable to select a candidate too early, it is also crucial to avoid delays similar to those experienced in the 2023 elections.