Turkey's Kurds May Hold Key to Erdogan's Fate in Upcoming Election. The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has emerged as a crucial player in Turkey's upcoming election, potentially tipping the balance against incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The HDP, which has been subjected to severe repression under Erdogan's rule, recently announced it would not field its own presidential candidate. This move is seen as a strategic decision that allows its supporters to vote for Erdogan's main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Analysts say the HDP's influence may be decisive in determining the outcome of the election.
The HDP was founded in 2012 with a goal of achieving "peaceful and democratic resolution" of the Kurdish conflict. However, the party has faced severe crackdowns under Erdogan, including the imprisonment of former leader Selahattin Demirtas for nearly seven years on terrorism charges. The party also faces possible closure by court for suspected ties to the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Despite these challenges, the HDP remains a powerful force in Turkish politics, with a significant following among Kurds and other minority groups. Its decision not to field a candidate could potentially shift the balance of power in favor of Kilicdaroglu, who is seen as Erdogan's main rival.
Experts say the crackdown on the HDP is rooted in its threat to Erdogan politically, as well as its position as one of the main parties representing Turkey's Kurds. The Turkish government has sought to link the HDP to the PKK, but so far failed to prove a real connection.
The outcome of the election will be closely watched globally, particularly in light of growing tensions between Iran and Israel. Iranian officials have vowed to respond to what they see as Israeli aggression, while China and Brazil have announced plans to ditch the US dollar as an intermediary in trade.
As Turkey prepares for its elections, the fate of Erdogan's rule hangs in the balance. Will the HDP's decision tip the scales in favor of Kilicdaroglu, or will Erdogan emerge victorious? The world watches with bated breath.
The HDP, which has been subjected to severe repression under Erdogan's rule, recently announced it would not field its own presidential candidate. This move is seen as a strategic decision that allows its supporters to vote for Erdogan's main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Analysts say the HDP's influence may be decisive in determining the outcome of the election.
The HDP was founded in 2012 with a goal of achieving "peaceful and democratic resolution" of the Kurdish conflict. However, the party has faced severe crackdowns under Erdogan, including the imprisonment of former leader Selahattin Demirtas for nearly seven years on terrorism charges. The party also faces possible closure by court for suspected ties to the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Despite these challenges, the HDP remains a powerful force in Turkish politics, with a significant following among Kurds and other minority groups. Its decision not to field a candidate could potentially shift the balance of power in favor of Kilicdaroglu, who is seen as Erdogan's main rival.
Experts say the crackdown on the HDP is rooted in its threat to Erdogan politically, as well as its position as one of the main parties representing Turkey's Kurds. The Turkish government has sought to link the HDP to the PKK, but so far failed to prove a real connection.
The outcome of the election will be closely watched globally, particularly in light of growing tensions between Iran and Israel. Iranian officials have vowed to respond to what they see as Israeli aggression, while China and Brazil have announced plans to ditch the US dollar as an intermediary in trade.
As Turkey prepares for its elections, the fate of Erdogan's rule hangs in the balance. Will the HDP's decision tip the scales in favor of Kilicdaroglu, or will Erdogan emerge victorious? The world watches with bated breath.