The United Democratic Party (UBP) has scheduled its next leadership conference for September 2024, according to current leader and prime minister Unal Ustel. This decision comes amidst internal disputes within the party, with backbench MP Hasan Tacoy calling for an earlier conference date and engaging in discussions with prominent political figures.
When is the UBP’s next leadership conference scheduled?
The United Democratic Party (UBP) is set to hold its next leadership conference in September 2024. This decision is in line with the party’s central committee’s plans and was confirmed by the current leader and prime minister, Unal Ustel, amidst internal party disputes and calls for an earlier meeting.
The Political Landscape of the North
The United Democratic Party (UBP), renowned as the largest political force in the northern region, has made a critical announcement. The party’s next major gathering, a conference of significant importance, is scheduled to occur in September 2024. This strategic decision was publicized by the party’s current leader, who also holds the title of ‘prime minister’, Unal Ustel.
Ustel, with a tone of firmness, made it clear that the timing of their party conferences is not subject to whimsical demands. He emphasized, “The date of the next conference is known. We will have one in September 2024, in accordance with the decisions of the party’s central committee.”
Internal Party Frictions
This announcement arrives amidst a backdrop of internal squabbles and rising tensions within the party. Hasan Tacoy, a backbench ‘MP’ with aspirations for leadership, has been vocal in his disagreement with the current leadership, insisting on an earlier conference date. Tacoy, who held the position of ‘labour minister’ until recently, found himself relegated back to the backbenches after openly challenging Ustel for the top role.
The party’s last conference in September confirmed that there would be no deviation from the planned 2024 schedule. Despite this, the demand for an earlier conference by Tacoy and his subsequent meetings with prominent political figures, including Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, hinted at a possible shift in the internal power dynamics.
The UBP’s History of Leadership Changes
The UBP’s journey to this upcoming conference has been far from smooth. Ustel’s ascent to leadership in September 2022 was uncontested, a transition from Faiz Sucuoglu, who struggled to form a coalition. Sucuoglu’s term as leader was short-lived, having won a tough election battle against Tacoy and the former leader, Ersan Saner. Saner’s candidacy ended abruptly due to scandalous revelations via leaked video footage.
The party faced further disruption with the abrupt halt to the 2020 leadership election, an event aimed to be a duel between Sucuoglu and Tacoy, but was cut short for the sake of party unity. Amidst these turbulent times, Saner briefly stepped in as a caretaker leader, described by many as a “safe pair of hands.”
The Road Ahead
With the announcement set in stone, the stage is set for a leadership contest that is already stirring interest and debate among party members and observers alike. Tacoy appears undeterred in his quest to challenge Ustel, signaling a potentially intense battle for the party’s helm as they approach their next conference.
As the UBP gears up for what might be a defining moment, the eyes of the political realm are keenly watching. This party conference not only decides the leadership but could also shape the political future of the northern region. With months ahead before the critical gathering, the anticipation continues to build.
Quick Recap
- The United Democratic Party (UBP) has scheduled its next leadership conference for September 2024.
- The decision comes amidst internal disputes within the party, with backbench MP Hasan Tacoy calling for an earlier conference date and engaging in discussions with prominent political figures.
- Ustel, the current leader and prime minister, emphasized that the timing of their party conferences is not subject to whimsical demands.
- Tacoy’s demand for an earlier conference and his meetings with political figures hint at a possible shift in internal power dynamics.
- The UBP’s journey to this upcoming conference has been marked by leadership changes and disruptions, including scandalous revelations and a halted leadership election.
