Ibrahim Kaboglu Elected as President of Istanbul Bar Association
In a highly anticipated election held at the Halic Congress Center, Ibrahim Ozden Kaboglu emerged as the new President of the Istanbul Bar Association. With 12 candidates vying for the position, a total of 161 ballot boxes were set up to accommodate the voting process. The election, which saw the participation of 64,072 lawyers eligible to cast their votes, concluded as the ballot boxes were sealed at 5:00 PM.
As the ballot counters diligently tallied the votes, the atmosphere was tense with lawyers eagerly monitoring the results on a dedicated screen. Ultimately, it was the Change for Lawyers Group’s candidate, Ibrahim Ozden Kaboglu, who secured victory with 7,219 votes, earning the prestigious position of President of the Istanbul Bar Association.
A Competitive Race
The election witnessed a diverse range of contenders from various lawyer groups, each vying for the esteemed role of leading the Istanbul Bar Association. Noteworthy candidates included Filiz Sarac and Ali Gurbuz from the Progressive Modern Lawyers Group, Hasan Kilic from the Rise of Lawyers Movement Group, Mert Er Karagulle from the Strong Bar for Change Group, Turgay Bilge from the Lawyer Rights Group, Turkana Kara from the Young Legal Movement Group, Metin Uracin from the Istanbul Lawyers Union Group, Abdulhalim Yilmaz from the Independent Lawyers Group, Hakan Catak from the Istanbul Nationalist Lawyers Group, Yasin Sen, and Savas Isleyen as independent candidates.
The election not only showcased the diversity within the legal community but also highlighted the commitment of these candidates to uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law.
Kaboglu’s Vision for the Istanbul Bar Association
In his address following the election results, Ibrahim Kaboglu emphasized the significance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice prevails within the legal system. He expressed gratitude for the support he received and extended his congratulations to all candidates for their participation in a fair and civilized electoral process.
Kaboglu reiterated his commitment to establishing a governance structure that is inclusive and transparent, welcoming all members of the legal community to contribute to the advancement of the Istanbul Bar Association. He emphasized that the Istanbul Bar Association is not a corporation but a public law entity dedicated to promoting legal principles and advocating for the rule of law.
Furthermore, Kaboglu emphasized the importance of revisiting constitutional provisions to align with contemporary values and ensure that fundamental rights are safeguarded. He cited past instances where constitutional amendments had successfully enhanced the protection of human rights and reinforced the principles of a secular and democratic republic.
In his closing remarks, Kaboglu pledged to implement the promises outlined in his campaign platform, focusing on legislative reforms, constitutional amendments, and a steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights.
Congratulations and Support
Following his victory, Ibrahim Kaboglu received warm wishes and congratulations from various quarters. Former President Filiz Sarac extended her hand in congratulation, wishing Kaboglu success in his new role. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu also took to social media to congratulate Kaboglu and his new team, expressing his confidence in their ability to navigate the challenging landscape of justice and uphold the principles of fairness and equity within the legal fraternity.
The election of Ibrahim Kaboglu as the President of the Istanbul Bar Association marks a significant milestone in the legal community, signaling a new era of progressive leadership and a renewed commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting justice for all.
