An Istanbul lower court attempted to block a re-election for the Republican People’s Party (CHP) provincial leadership congress, taking place today (24 September), despite the Supreme Electoral Council (YSK) approving the party’s plans. Earlier this month, the court removed the provincial leadership and appointed a trustee to the party’s Istanbul branch, a move critics say is part of a broader government effort to crackdown on the opposition.

The leadership election congress scheduled for today was halted by Istanbul’s 45th Civil Court, which issued its ruling around 11:30 a.m., despite the YSK having authorized the congress to proceed as planned. The sudden decision caused nationwide turmoil, sending the BIST 100 index down from 11,352 to 11,133, a drop of 219 points. CHP officials quickly rushed to the YSK to protest the ruling.

Moments ago, Supreme Election Council Chair Ahmet Yener held a press conference, stating:

“According to Article 79 of the Constitution, it is not legally possible to halt a congress process that has already begun.”

The recent rulings by Istanbul’s 45th Civil Court raise concerns that the judiciary is overstepping its bounds. By attempting to halt a provincial party congress already underway and removing the elected leadership of CHP’s Istanbul........

© Medyascope