Republican People’s Party (CHP) presidential candidate Muharrem İnce’s performance in Sunday’s elections, garnering more than 30 percent of the vote while his party received only 22 percent, has sparked a discussion about the party’s future, including a change in chairperson.
“After 41 years, we got more than 30 percent. We surpassed the 30 percent threshold, we’ll surpass 50 percent. I’m here. If people say ‘Walk in front of us,’ I’m ready to walk,” İnce said during a press conference on Monday.
CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu at a press conference on Tuesday was asked whether he would resign after seeing the results in Sunday’s election.
“Those who want a position and try to get it with only individual performance have no place in the party,” Kılıçdaroğlu said.
Evaluating İnce’s share of the vote, Kılıçdaroğlu said it was below expectations and normal that he had more support than the party.
Justice and Development Party (AKP) spokesman Mahir Ünal on Tuesday also said İnce had become the natural leader of the CHP after his election performance.
“He should look at his own party. What happens inside the party will be decided by the members,” Kılıçdaroğlu said in response to Ünal.
Kılıçdaroğlu stressed at the press conference that the conditions were unfair, citing an ongoing state of emergency, lack of media coverage and attacks on campaign booths by other parties.
Some CHP supporters, in the meantime, have been trying to organize a demonstration via social media, calling on İnce voters to gather in front of CHP headquarters to protest current party management.
