The Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP) is debating the date for its next ordinary congress following the court-ordered reinstatement of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu [1, 2].

This internal struggle for power determines the future governance of Turkey's main opposition party. The dispute centers on the "mutlak butlan" — or absolute expulsion — decision that previously removed Kılıçdaroğlu from his position [2, 4].

Kılıçdaroğlu said he will take the party to a congress as soon as possible [3]. He said a new era within the party would begin following the court's decision [5].

While Kılıçdaroğlu has not set a specific date, legal requirements may constrain the timeline. Mehtap Gökdemir said the timing of the congress is determined by the Political Parties Law and the CHP charter [6]. Some interpretations of the party law suggest an ordinary congress must be held within six months of such a decision [7].

The conflict involves high-ranking leadership, including Özgür Özel, as the party attempts to re-establish formal governance in Ankara [1, 3]. The court ruling has forced a reconciliation of the party's administrative structure after a period of instability.

Party officials are now weighing the urgency of Kılıçdaroğlu's request against the statutory requirements of the Turkish legal system. The outcome of the congress will likely decide who maintains control over the party's strategic direction, and leadership hierarchy.

“"Partiyi en kısa zamanda kurultaya götüreceğim."”

The reinstatement of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu creates a legal and political paradox for the CHP. By requiring a new congress to resolve the leadership dispute, the party must balance the immediate demands of its reinstated leader against the rigid timelines of the Political Parties Law. This process will determine whether the party returns to Kılıçdaroğlu's era or transitions to a new leadership structure under the current administration.