`First discipline and then change`

As the Republican People's Party (CHP) extraordinary congress ended in a bloody confrontation, party leader Deniz Baykal once again succeeded in being re-elected to the top post.

The nation waits as Baykal, who said, “First discipline and then change,” works to keep his promises. Most commentators said that with Baykal's re-election the CHP's transformation has been postponed for another year.

The facts the congress pushed to the surface are listed as follows.

‘Antidemocratic congress':

The CHP leadership planned to suffocate the opposition by holding the congress in a very small hall. The congress will go down in history as an anti-democratic one. No matter who was responsible for what took place during the congress, the whole party, those associated with it and the principles it stood for were tainted by it.

Sarıgül lost politically:

Şişli Mayor Mustafa Sarıgül's loss to CHP leader Baykal was not only a numerical defeat; it also entailed a significant political cost. Sarıgül, by physically assaulting Bakırköy Mayor Ünal Erzen and taking a leading role in clashes initiated by his supporters, was shown in a very negative light during the congress.

Sarıgül's troubles:

Even though he might say he will continue his fight, it seems impossible for Sarıgül to continue as a CHP member. Sarıgül, who was one of the founding members of İsmail Cem's New Turkey Party (YTP), was a witness to how hard it is to establish a new party and develop it into a political force. It is being said that he won't be willing to undergo that disappointment once again.

Baykal's attitude:

The public is waiting to see what CHP leader Baykal will do to keep his promise to rid the party of corruption and rejuvenate it. However, one thing is certain: that the conspiracy theories advocated by Baykal don't seem to have generated that much support within the party. No one knows what Baykal, who said the party discipline was a priority and that change would come after the congress in October, will do.

The MYK election:

CHP leader Baykal's intentions will be clear at the election of the 20 members of the CHP Central Executive Board (MYK). When one considers Kemal Derviş and Zeynep Damla Gürel's resignation and the dismissals of Bülent Tanla and Esin Arıoğlu, there are four seats that need to be filled. Many are wondering who will be assigned these posts.

Big surprise:

Many rumors concerning what Baykal will do next abound in the media. For example, it is being said that if one of the party deputy leaders, CHP Secretary-General Önder Sav or Mehmet Sevingen is sacked, it will shock the public. Some say this possibility is very remote, noting: “Baykal has sacrificed his closest associates in the past in accordance with his own interests. However, he wouldn't do that just because some one else wants him to do so.”

Time to change:

So when will Baykal's statement, “When the time comes, I will leave my post to a young and ethical CHP member,” come to be realized? Sources say, “Baykal changing himself is a very remote possibility; however, someone may come from outside and change everything and replace him as leader.”