Yesterday (February 9), three leading figures in Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) met in Ankara to discuss the possible early selection of a presidential candidate. CHP chairman Özgür Özel joined Ankara mayor Mansur Yavaş and Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Turkey’s next presidential elections are expected to take place in 2028, although the opposition has made repeated calls for earlier polls.

Sources indicated that the trio had discussed the election campaign, candidate selection, and campaign schedule during the 2.5-hour meeting.

On January 28th, Özgür Özel issued a call for an early candidate selection, saying that “All party members will cast their votes to determine our presidential candidate.”

Özel’s move surprised some, having been made over three full years before Turkey’s next planned presidential election in the spring of 2028. On the other hand, the move has been interpreted as an attempt to shield the opposition from mounting legal pressure and give legitimacy to calls for early polls.

A recent string of arrests and court cases have targeted numerous CHP officials, including Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu, Esenyurt district mayor Ahmet Özer,

© Medyascope