Turkey's pro-Kurdish party emerges as a key player in the country's upcoming election, potentially tipping the balance against Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has decided not to field its own presidential candidate, allowing its supporters to vote for Erdogan's main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
The HDP's move is seen as a strategic ploy to maximize its influence in the election and potentially unseat Erdogan, who has been in power since 2002. The party's decision not to field a candidate may allow its supporters to rally behind Kilicdaroglu, whose support is crucial for defeating Erdogan.
Analysts say that the HDP's decision is a reflection of the complex relationship between Erdogan and the Kurdish community in Turkey. The Turkish president has faced criticism from the Kurdish community over his government's handling of the conflict in Syria and its impact on the region.
The HDP's former leader, Selahattin Demirtas, has been in prison for nearly seven years on charges related to terrorism. His imprisonment has sparked widespread protests in Turkey, highlighting the deep-seated tensions between Erdogan's government and the Kurdish community.
As the election approaches, many are watching with bated breath to see how the HDP's decision will play out. The party's influence could tip the balance against Erdogan, potentially marking a significant shift in Turkish politics.
The HDP's move is seen as a strategic ploy to maximize its influence in the election and potentially unseat Erdogan, who has been in power since 2002. The party's decision not to field a candidate may allow its supporters to rally behind Kilicdaroglu, whose support is crucial for defeating Erdogan.
Analysts say that the HDP's decision is a reflection of the complex relationship between Erdogan and the Kurdish community in Turkey. The Turkish president has faced criticism from the Kurdish community over his government's handling of the conflict in Syria and its impact on the region.
The HDP's former leader, Selahattin Demirtas, has been in prison for nearly seven years on charges related to terrorism. His imprisonment has sparked widespread protests in Turkey, highlighting the deep-seated tensions between Erdogan's government and the Kurdish community.
As the election approaches, many are watching with bated breath to see how the HDP's decision will play out. The party's influence could tip the balance against Erdogan, potentially marking a significant shift in Turkish politics.