Turkey's pro-Kurdish party may hold the key to Erdogan's downfall in upcoming elections.
The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), which has been persecuted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has decided not to run a presidential candidate of its own. This move could allow the opposition to rally behind Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is running against Erdogan.
Analysts say that the HDP's decision is a calculated move to avoid being seen as pro-Kurdish or anti-Erdogan, while also allowing its supporters to vote for Kilicdaroglu. The party's deputy co-chair, Hisyar Ozsoy, said that they are not going to field a candidate and will leave it to the international community to interpret their decision.
The HDP's influence may determine the course of Turkey's politics, but it is also facing challenges. The party has been subject to a crackdown by Erdogan, who views it as a threat to his power. The HDP's former leader Selahattin Demirtas has been in prison for nearly seven years on charges related to terrorism.
Despite the challenges, the HDP remains a key player in Turkey's politics. Kurdish voters traditionally vote for the AK Party, but the HDP gets about half of the votes from this demographic. The party's decision not to run a candidate could tip the balance in favor of Kilicdaroglu.
Erdogan's grip on power has been tenuous at best, and the outcome of the elections is far from certain. However, one thing is clear: Turkey's Kurds will play a crucial role in determining Erdogan's fate.
The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), which has been persecuted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has decided not to run a presidential candidate of its own. This move could allow the opposition to rally behind Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is running against Erdogan.
Analysts say that the HDP's decision is a calculated move to avoid being seen as pro-Kurdish or anti-Erdogan, while also allowing its supporters to vote for Kilicdaroglu. The party's deputy co-chair, Hisyar Ozsoy, said that they are not going to field a candidate and will leave it to the international community to interpret their decision.
The HDP's influence may determine the course of Turkey's politics, but it is also facing challenges. The party has been subject to a crackdown by Erdogan, who views it as a threat to his power. The HDP's former leader Selahattin Demirtas has been in prison for nearly seven years on charges related to terrorism.
Despite the challenges, the HDP remains a key player in Turkey's politics. Kurdish voters traditionally vote for the AK Party, but the HDP gets about half of the votes from this demographic. The party's decision not to run a candidate could tip the balance in favor of Kilicdaroglu.
Erdogan's grip on power has been tenuous at best, and the outcome of the elections is far from certain. However, one thing is clear: Turkey's Kurds will play a crucial role in determining Erdogan's fate.