ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the factional conflicts that resulted in party splits in the case of Turkey. It deals with the factors that push dissident members out of a party and motivate them to form a party of their own. The chapter analyses various factional conflicts that ended with the formation of splinter parties under various institutional and social settings in Turkey. Party splits are preceded by the formation of intra-party groups whose identities and interests conflict with those of the ruling leadership. In Turkey, intra-party policy debates have been a source of serious dissent in the Democrat Party, the Republican People's Party and the Virtue Party. Although perceptions about party change trigger discontent, a favorable opportunity structure has also facilitated party splits in Turkish politics. Party members may use different ways to express their dissatisfaction through various elements of the party organization. When party leaders resort to disciplinary measures, dissidents complain about the lack of intra-party democracy.
