Shafaq News/ Members of the NationalCouncil in the Gorran (Change) Movement, who refer to themselves as "themajority," described the appointment of the movement’s interim GeneralCoordinator as a "coup," announcing a temporary closure of the movement'smain headquarters.
In a statement, they said, "We,the majority of legitimately elected members, are working to protect thedemocratic principles of the movement and to prevent any plot aimed atundermining the legacy of the movement’s late leader, Nawshirwan Mustafa, whoalways worked for the rule of law."
"Gorran, as a political andcivil force, was founded on the legitimacy of elections and democracy, and itsinternal laws were faithfully established by Mustafa," they added.
The council members pointed out thatthe appointment of an interim General Coordinator within the movement isunconstitutional, demanding elections to select a new Coordinator. “Theappointment of an interim leader is an unprecedented step internationally, andwe categorically reject this action."
“The former General Coordinator, whois respected by all, officially resigned on October 13, 2021, in agreement withall members of the National Council, and his resignation was accepted during anofficial meeting,” they confirmed. “Therefore, any attempt to appoint aninterim Coordinator is a constitutional and legal violation."
They further stated, "WhenMustafa was the General Coordinator, he did not appoint an interim successor,but instead delegated specific powers to a designated committee. The use oftemporary appointments to cover up major crises is clear deception."
Additionally, the members stronglycondemned any conspiracy aimed at bypassing the movement's decisions and stressedthe need to hold those behind such conspiracies legally and politicallyaccountable.
The National Council members alsoindicated that they are aware of attempts to create “divisions and chaos”within the movement, affirming that the elected majority has decided totemporarily close the movement’s headquarters “to protect everyone until thesituation stabilizes.”
“We call on government institutionsand security forces to maintain security and stability and protect the membersfrom any escalation.”
Earlier, several leaders in themovement issued statements reaffirming their full commitment to the movement'sinternal constitution. They emphasized the importance of maintaining unity,pointing out that “the movement headquarters will remain closed until thecrisis is resolved and stability is restored.”
In recent years, Gorran has facedinternal leadership challenges, particularly following the death of its founderand leader, Nawshirwan Mustafa, in 2017. These challenges have led to internaldivisions over how the movement should be managed and its future politicaldirection.