Main opposition CHP faces internal debate over primary election decision

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) is facing internal disagreements over its decision to hold a primary election to determine its next presidential candidate.

While Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has fully endorsed the plan, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavas has reportedly expressed reservations.

CHP’s primary election plan sparks debate

The CHP’s decision to hold a primary election for the presidential candidacy was announced in the wake of recent judicial operations against CHP-led municipalities, including the arrests of the Esenyurt and Besiktas mayors.

The move is seen as an attempt to counteract potential future actions against the party.

CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel, who announced the plan, did not inform Yavas beforehand, according to reports. While Imamoglu has voiced strong support for the decision, Yavas has refrained from making any public statements but has reportedly expressed his concerns in private.

Imamoglu’s influence in decision

Within CHP circles, there has been ongoing speculation that the real target of recent judicial investigations is Imamoglu. Some party officials believe that early designation of a presidential candidate through a primary would help protect that individual from political and legal pressures.

After President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a cryptic remark—”The biggest surprise is yet to come”—Ozel shifted from advocating political “normalization” to exploring alternative strategies, including the early selection of a presidential nominee.

While some party members warn that a primary election could divide the party and expose the candidate to early attacks, others—particularly those aligned with Imamoglu—support the plan.

Yavas remains cautious

The details of the primary process were quickly outlined, with CHP members being encouraged to register as voters. The process will involve candidate nominations, followed by voting through mail or other methods.

However, the final decision on the presidential candidate will be made by CHP’s parliamentary group in the Turkish Parliament, with the primary results serving as a guiding factor.

Despite the developments, Yavas has not conveyed his concerns directly to the CHP leadership and is reportedly unhappy with the decision. He is said to believe that selecting a presidential candidate too early could be counterproductive given the time remaining before the next election. Also, Yavas, a former nationalist MHP member, lacks major support among CHP’s voter base compared to Imamoglu.

Uncertainty over CHP’s next steps

Some within the party have raised concerns about the primary’s legitimacy, arguing that a vote limited to CHP members may not reflect the broader electorate’s preferences. Instead, they suggest choosing the candidate based on public opinion polls to ensure the strongest contender.

Reports also indicate that Yavas has not consulted former CHP Chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu on the issue and has no plans to release a written statement. Additionally, claims that he is commissioning a 50,000-person survey have been denied.

With no clear consensus within the party, it remains uncertain whether CHP will proceed with the primary or whether Yavas will eventually enter the race if the plan moves forward. However, it is widely believed that the decision strengthens Imamoglu’s position as a frontrunner.