CHP 38th Congress annulment and leadership dispute

Timeline

1. May 21, 2026

   Interim order issued

   Elected leadership was provisionally removed

   The regional appeal decision provided for removing Özgür Özel and current party organs and for Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and previous party organs to continue.

2. May 22, 2026

   Appeal rejected

   Regional appeal court rejected interim-measure objection

   Ankara Regional Court of Appeal 36th Civil Chamber rejected the objection against the interim-measure decision.

3. May 22, 2026

   Appeal filed

   CHP applied to the Court of Cassation and YSK

   CHP leadership announced applications to the Court of Cassation and YSK against the absolute-nullity and interim-measure decision.

4. May 22, 2026

   Appeal rejected

   YSK rejected CHP's application

   YSK rejected CHP's application about the absolute-nullity decision and the request to confirm the validity of certificates of election.

5. May 23, 2026

   Other

   Detentions reported in congress investigation

   After the absolute-nullity decision, reports said 13 people were detained in the criminal investigation into the 38th Congress.

6. May 24, 2026

   Interim order issued

   Police intervention took place at CHP headquarters

   Reports said Ankara Governor's Office instructed police to enforce the court decision and that police entered CHP headquarters for the evacuation process.