CHP Congress Under Investigation for Allegations of Vote Buying
The CHP’s 38th ordinary congress in 2023 is at the center of controversy, as allegations of financial misconduct have emerged. The process began with a criminal complaint, leading to an investigation by the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in November 2023. However, on December 22, 2023, the Bursa office declared a lack of jurisdiction and transferred the case to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, which then took over the investigation in 2024.
During the congress, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the former CHP leader, lost to President Ozgur Ozel by 18 votes. This result raised suspicions, with Akif Hamzaçebi, the Vice President of the Group at CHP, questioning the legitimacy of the congress on social media.
Both Kılıçdaroğlu and Hamzaçebi have been called as witnesses in the investigation due to their public statements regarding the alleged financial irregularities. Kılıçdaroğlu’s lawyer announced that he will not be testifying as a witness, emphasizing that there is no reason for concern.
Hamzaçebi, on the other hand, stated that he does not have any claims regarding the congress but believes that the investigation should be conducted to clarify any doubts.
As the investigation unfolds, the future of the CHP’s 38th ordinary congress remains uncertain. If the allegations are proven to be true, the election may have to be repeated within two months according to election laws. Stay tuned for further developments in this ongoing political saga.
