Turkey: Baykal re-elected as CHP leader

Baykal was the only nominee for leadership in the 30th Regular Congress of CHP.

A total of 1,089 of 1,300 delegates cast their votes in the Congress. Baykal gained 973 of the cast votes while 116 votes were invalid.

Baykal was born in southern Antalya province on July 20, 1938. After graduating from Ankara University Faculty of Law, Baykal had his doctorate in the Faculty of Political Sciences.

CHP leader Baykal continued his studies in Colombia and Berkeley universities in the United States.

Baykal, who was elected as deputy between 1973 ad 1980 and 1987 and 1999, served as Deputy Finance Minister, Deputy Energy Minister, Deputy Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

Deniz Baykal served as deputy group chairman, secretary general and leader of CHP.

Baykal, who is married with two children, can speak English.

CHP leader Baykal has written books and articles on political science.

BAYKAM’S OPPOSITION: I HAVE ENOUGH VOTES ACCORDING TO FORMER REGULATION

The head of the council Abdullah Emre Ileri said that although they have extended the time of application for the candidateship of the CHP, Bedri Baykam said that he could not apply for candidateship since the number of the signatures was raised adding that the number of the signatures was adequate for him to apply according to the former regulation.

BAYKAL RE-ELECTED AS CHP LEADER

At 04.38 a.m., Ileri announced the results of the elections.

Accordingly, some 1089 delegates among 1300 voted to chose their leader. As a result, Deniz Baykal was re-elected as CHP’s leader with 973 votes. The total of empty and invalid votes were 116.

The assembly will convene today at 13.00 a.m. to elect the Party Assembly and the Supreme Discipline Council members.