Turkey's pro-Kurdish party, the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), has emerged as a key player in the country's upcoming election. The HDP's decision not to field its own presidential candidate may tip the balance in favor of Erdogan's main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
The HDP's move is seen as a significant shift in strategy, as the party had previously indicated it would not run a candidate due to the intense persecution it has faced under Erdogan's rule. The decision allows its supporters to vote for Kilicdaroglu, who represents the six-party Nation Alliance opposition bloc.
Analysts say that the HDP's influence may be crucial in determining the outcome of the election. However, the party is facing a precarious position due to ongoing crackdowns and potential closure by court. Despite this, the HDP remains committed to its core values, including peaceful resolution of the Kurdish conflict.
The HDP's leader, Hisyar Ozsoy, said that the decision not to run a candidate was a "carefully crafted political discourse" aimed at avoiding a "contaminated political climate." The party is aware of its responsibility and role in shaping Turkey's future, Ozsoy added.
Experts argue that Erdogan's regime has cracked down on the HDP due to its threat to his hold on power. The crackdown has led to widespread persecution, including imprisonment of former leader Selahattin Demirtas.
However, analysts also point out that a post-Erdogan Turkey may offer some breathing space for Kurdish and Kurdish-dominated parties in Turkey. Many Kurdish voters have recently left Erdogan's camp, creating an opportunity for opposition forces like the HDP.
The HDP's stance on Erdogan's leadership is a delicate balancing act, as it seeks to maintain its influence while avoiding further polarization of Turkish politics. The party's position as a kingmaker in the election remains crucial, with some analysts suggesting that it may tip the balance in Kilicdaroglu's favor.
The HDP's move is seen as a significant shift in strategy, as the party had previously indicated it would not run a candidate due to the intense persecution it has faced under Erdogan's rule. The decision allows its supporters to vote for Kilicdaroglu, who represents the six-party Nation Alliance opposition bloc.
Analysts say that the HDP's influence may be crucial in determining the outcome of the election. However, the party is facing a precarious position due to ongoing crackdowns and potential closure by court. Despite this, the HDP remains committed to its core values, including peaceful resolution of the Kurdish conflict.
The HDP's leader, Hisyar Ozsoy, said that the decision not to run a candidate was a "carefully crafted political discourse" aimed at avoiding a "contaminated political climate." The party is aware of its responsibility and role in shaping Turkey's future, Ozsoy added.
Experts argue that Erdogan's regime has cracked down on the HDP due to its threat to his hold on power. The crackdown has led to widespread persecution, including imprisonment of former leader Selahattin Demirtas.
However, analysts also point out that a post-Erdogan Turkey may offer some breathing space for Kurdish and Kurdish-dominated parties in Turkey. Many Kurdish voters have recently left Erdogan's camp, creating an opportunity for opposition forces like the HDP.
The HDP's stance on Erdogan's leadership is a delicate balancing act, as it seeks to maintain its influence while avoiding further polarization of Turkish politics. The party's position as a kingmaker in the election remains crucial, with some analysts suggesting that it may tip the balance in Kilicdaroglu's favor.