In Turkey, the main party of the pro-Kurdish left, the HDP (People’s Democratic Party), organized this Sunday, March 19 in Istanbul a large rally for the Nowruz holiday which celebrates the arrival of spring. This meeting took on an even more political dimension this year than usual, a few weeks before the elections.
With our correspondent in Istanbul, Anne Andlauer
The meeting took on an even more political dimension this year than usual, a few weeks before the presidential and legislative elections, in which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will try to retain power. HDP supporters, who make up around 10% of the electorate, could be the key to the poll.
On Yenikapi square, where the green and purple flags of the pro-Kurdish, we dance the halay in the puddles. It’s Nowruz (Nevruz in Turkish) but also a way to mobilize less than two months before the elections. Adem and Muhammed are both 18 years old. ” Power will change hands, that’s for sure! said Adam. ” And the Kurds will play a decisive role. That’s why they all want our votes! “says Muhammad.
The HDP could support Kemal Kilicdaroglu
For the first time in 20 years, President Erdogan will face a rival on May 14, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, backed by a broad alliance of opposition parties. The HDP does not belong to the alliance, but could call to vote for it. Like Filiz, a mother, most of her voters think highly of Kemal Kiliçdaroglu, a social democrat. “ I appreciate his words, his personality, he inspires confidence in me. I never voted for Tayyip. Let him go! So that, Inch’Allah, my children have a bright future! he says.
Abidin, 48, also expects a lot from this election. ” A president must bring us democracy, human rights, justice, economic recovery. Turkey is in ruins, we need a democratic president to rebuild the country. Otherwise, it will be total collapse. To the uncertainty of the ballot is added that which weighs on the fate of the HDP The pro-Kurdish party is threatened with banning for accusations of links with the “ terrorism “.