Özgür Özel says party members will choose leader in November vote

Özgür Özel said party members will choose their leader on November 8.

He said anyone who joins by November 5 can take part, and urged voters to support the process.

The remarks came amid criticism involving former leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, though the speech text does not give his response.

Özel said he had previously offered to step aside if he received less than 90 percent of the vote, and proposed asking all members to decide.

The dispute concerns who should lead the party and how its members should take part in that choice.

Özel also criticized the government over food prices, pensions and losses in the stock market.

The leadership vote is scheduled for November 8, with membership eligibility set for November 5.