Republican People's Party (CHP) 39th Ordinary Istanbul Provincial Congress

The 39th Ordinary Istanbul Provincial Congress of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) is an internal party election process held on 19 October 2025 to determine the new leadership of the CHP’s Istanbul provincial organization.

^{39th Ordinary Istanbul Provincial Congress of the CHP, 19 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)}

In a lawsuit filed by CHP member Özlem Erkan at the Istanbul 45th Civil Court of First Instance, it was claimed that the 38th Ordinary Istanbul Provincial Congress held on 8 October 2023 was invalid due to lack of authority and procedural irregularities. The petition alleged that delegates’ votes at the congress had been influenced in exchange for various benefits.

On 2 September 2025, the court issued an interim decision ordering the temporary removal of the CHP Istanbul Provincial Administration from office, the appointment of a provisional board, and the precautionary suspension of all election activities related to district and provincial congresses.

On 18 October 2025, the Istanbul 45th Civil Court of First Instance, at the request of the plaintiff, sent a letter to the Istanbul Governorship and the Sarıyer 1st District Election Board, notifying them to suspend the 39th Ordinary Istanbul Provincial Congress.

The court’s letter stated that the interim measure, while not final under Law No. 6100 on Civil Procedure, was currently in effect and would remain so until overturned by the Istanbul Regional Court of Justice.

Following the court’s letter, the Sarıyer 1st District Election Board referred the matter to the Supreme Election Council (YSK). On 18 October 2025, the YSK convened and assessed the situation, concluding that since the congress proceedings had commenced in accordance with established procedures, district election boards had no authority to suspend them. In a statement by YSK Deputy Chair Ekrem Özübek, it was announced that the decision was made to proceed with the congress and that the decision had been communicated to the relevant authorities.

The 39th Ordinary Istanbul Provincial Congress was held on 19 October 2025 at the Hidayet Türkoğlu Sports Complex in Bayrampaşa. Attendees included CHP General Chairman Özgür Özel, Deputy General Chairman for Local Governments Gökhan Zeybek, Dilek İmamoğlu, district mayors, delegates and party members. The congress commenced with a moment of silence and the recitation of the Independence March, followed by speeches.

In his address at the congress, CHP General Chairman Özgür Özel spoke directly to the Istanbul organization and referred to the party’s congress process. Özel stated that the fourth party congress would be held within two years.

Running as the sole candidate, Özgür Çelik was re-elected as CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman after receiving 536 of the 540 valid votes cast by 565 of the 655 delegates. Following the announcement of the results, Çelik stated in his speech that the congress marked a beginning.

^{39th Ordinary Istanbul Provincial Congress of the CHP, 19 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)}

The appeal process regarding the court’s 2 September 2025 interim decision is ongoing. The hearing has been rescheduled for 21 November 2025. Meanwhile, the provisional board appointed under the same case continues to perform its duties pending the decision of the Istanbul Regional Court of Justice.