Kocasakal Wins Istanbul Bar Association Presidency, Defeats Kaboğlu 10,227 to 7,022 Votes

The 128th Ordinary General Assembly of the Istanbul Bar Association convened at the Golden Horn Congress Center. According to unofficial results, Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocasakal, candidate of the Republican Forces Union, was elected the new bar president with 10,227 votes. Incumbent President Prof. Dr. İbrahim Kaboğlu, receiving 7,022 votes, has stepped down for Kocasakal.

The election at the Istanbul Bar Association, one of the world's largest with approximately 70,000 lawyers, was completed in a peaceful atmosphere.

Following the election, Kaboğlu issued a statement, emphasizing that his administration during the 2024-2026 term was conducted with a "participatory and inclusive" approach. Kaboğlu noted that they consistently implemented the requirements of the constitution and the attorney profession law, and that the selection of commission and center managers through elections took place in this manner. He stressed that "these are acquired rights; they can never be reversed." Kaboğlu concluded his statement with the words, "May our path in the rule of law remain open."