THE STORY OF A CONGRESS: MATURITY, COURAGE AND NEW LEADERSHIP
The Republican Turkish Party (CTP) elected its first female president in its 55-year history.
Sıla Usar İncirli is a name that was almost ‘born’ with the party, grew up with it, and built her story from within the party’s mobilization. Perhaps this was the most visible difference between her and the other candidates: a sense of belonging that touched the party’s memory, culture and spirit…
She demonstrated her knowledge, awareness, determination and experience of putting up a struggle. Yet, she also conveyed her ‘emotions’ to the party members…
That is why, despite the general belief that ‘this election would move on to a second round,’ she emerged from the race as ‘chairperson’ with the majority vote.
Dr. Sıla Usar İncirli certainly did not win solely based on ‘emotions’; she took her candidacy seriously and worked hard. It is no coincidence that this was one of CTP’s most well-attended congresses in recent years; it was the collective result of faith, hard work and determination…
She greeted the congress not only as a ‘Chairperson’ but also a ‘Prime Minister’…
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It is also important to note the democratic maturity of the three candidates and the party…
“What kind of a congress is this, there is no fighting, no bickering between the candidates,” said a journalist friend of mine…
Tensions never rose at the Republican Turkish Party Extraordinary Congress…
The three candidates always mentioned each other’s names with respect, no one turned ugly; they drew attention to the future of the country and the party’s responsibility in transforming the country.
This situation is not very common…
What happened at the conventions of the National Unity Party (UBP), the Rebirth Party (YDP) and even the Democratic Party (DP) is still fresh in the memory of the people.
Of course, the issue is not just a matter of ‘romantic solidarity’…
What comes next is important…
It will not be easy to lift up a country experiencing severe decay. It is because, ingrained habits cement the status quo; for real change, someone’s comfort must be disrupted, their joy spoiled, their system of interests dismantled.
Determination, willpower and courage are important in this new era… Inclusivity, pluralism and cooperation are essential… As is realism…
‘Left-wing’ values, namely equality, freedom, justice, social welfare and a culture of peace, must be the key to all solutions… Democracy must be protected, willpower must be upheld, our existence must be safeguarded…
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What caught my attention regarding the ‘CTP Congress’ was this: There is a need for the intensive, active and effective participation of young people. Because in public opinion polls, young voters, by a significant majority, do not trust ‘right-wing’ or ‘nationalist’ parties. Looking at the profile of those who voted at the ‘congress,’ young people were not heavily represented. Increasing the number of party’s young members, cadres, and foot soldiers should be a priority…
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The Republican Turkish Party set an example with its organisational skills as well as its democratic maturity.
Once again, it made effective use of technology; the last vote was cast at 20:00, and the results were announced within five minutes. Moreover, without paving way for any arguments…
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“There are no losers at the congress. For us, winning means peace in this country,” said Sıla Usar…
“We will crown this path with the CTP’s rule. We are all leaving here as winners,” said Erkut Şahali…
“Comradeship means standing by each other in the darkest moments, in work, in faith, in victories big and small, in joy, in sorrow, no matter what.” said Asım Akansoy…
Now these words will be put to the test of life.
Hope is a human right…
The hope of society in the new era is CTP and Sıla Usar İncirli…
Best of luck!
This article was originally published on 01.12.2025
Source: THE STORY OF A CONGRESS: MATURITY, COURAGE AND NEW LEADERSHIP