Turkey’s presidential election will go to a runoff on 28 May. The executive councils of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and the Green Left Party held a meeting in Ankara (on 16 May) where they discussed the election work and the results.
The HDP and Green Left Party released a statement after the meeting, outlining their objectives for the coming days in a ten-point plan.
1- We consider it extremely important that the Green Left Party, despite all the pressure and coups, has succeeded in achieving the third largest representation of Turkey in parliament. However, it is also clear that, all in all, we did not achieve the election result we wished for and expected. Whatever the conditions, we will continue to fight to organise ourselves more strongly and to achieve greater success.
2- First of all, we note that we are already working towards the elimination of the identified shortcomings. It should not be forgotten that we come from a tradition where the principle of criticism and self-criticism applies. The election results have reasons that go beyond the voting process. They require a comprehensive discussion phase. In order to avoid former mistakes in the new beginning, we will convene meetings after 28 May and hold discussions with our people and our district and provincial associations. Without resorting to any thin excuses, we will take stock of identified weaknesses and inadequacies and do what is necessary. No one should have any doubt about this.
3- However, the election is not over yet. On 28 May, the second round in the presidential election will take place. In line with the tradition and culture of our parties, we value everything that contributes to and paves the way for the struggle for freedom and democracy and creates opportunities. Elections are undoubtedly part of this. Just as past votes that did not produce the desired results were used as a reason for new persistence, tenacity and a strengthening of the struggle, the current electoral process will also become a reason for extended organising, resistance and struggle.
4- The AKP/MHP government and the People’s Alliance are carrying out incessant attacks against Kurds, women, youth, the oppressed and the social and political opposition. Our parties are the primary target of an attack concept that clamps down on society by creating a climate of oppression and fear. Until today, we have succeeded in resolutely thwarting all war concepts, plans of decomposition and the politics of rejection and denial – because the foundation of our reality, which is supported by resolute resistance, has been built with the will of this people. We are the subjects of a resistance that finds its way and its future in the social struggle against the politics of the rulers based on lies and does not retreat.
5- In this period of hard struggle, all oppositional sections of society, especially the Kurdish people, have put up considerable resistance. We would like to emphasise once again that we are here, and we are strong! This idea, this tradition of struggle will never end. We will continue our struggle to build the broadest democracy alliance in Turkey and push back fascism.
6- With the parliamentary election of 14 May, an anti-woman, anti-working class and anti- Kurdish power alliance became visible. Against this composition, the people have once again given our party the responsibility to defend the struggle of women, the struggle of the working class, universal human and collective rights, the general principles of international law and fundamental freedoms on the basis of equality and justice. Let no one doubt that we will defend the interests of society in parliament, in the streets, in short, at all levels and fields of politics to the end.
7- As the third strongest force in parliament, we are determined to make the regime that we did not let win in the first round of the elections lose in the run-off. In the coming days, we will continue our way with the determination of our peoples that gives us breath and life, and we will surely win. We are firmly convinced that in the coming days, both our organised structures, components and alliances and our people will once again show their determination at the ballot box without flinching from this regime that is the enemy of justice, peace and freedom.
8- On the eve of a new period of struggle, we will once again succeed in making the breakthrough to reach the light at the darkest moment of darkness and realise our goals. We reaffirm our pledge to the great values of our struggle for humanity, to all friends and companions who have participated in the dungeons or in exile at every level and stage of the resistance, making sacrifices and diligence to achieve victory. The most important tool for this is undoubtedly our political stance and strategy, which is the hope of peoples, faith communities, cultures, the oppressed, women and youth. The only way to succeed, to win, to inspire hope and to achieve victory is to better show this policy and bring it together with the peoples.
9- Fascism has been stopped by years of struggle of our peoples with great efforts and sacrifices. We should be aware that the continued survival of this rotting fascism by means of state resources, oppression, violence and electoral tricks will cause new suffering to our peoples. It is in our hands not to allow this to happen. For this, the electoral process, which is not yet over, is a great opportunity. In the next few days, we can put an end to this nightmare and put an end to evil without falling into pessimism and despair. We have the opportunity to make the second round of the presidential election a great end and a new beginning.
10- It is necessary that all our peoples, organisations and friends inside and outside the country go to the polls for the runoff election and deliver the ultimate blow to fascism instead of postponing the struggle until after the elections. Our greatest self-criticism after the valuable criticism of our people will be to defeat the one-man regime. We will spend the critical period ahead of us in determined action and work. Convinced that we will win, we have decided to intensify our work from today.
Source: HDP and Press
More articles on the topic:
- In Turkey, the Fight for Democracy Isn’t Over
- HDP and Green Left Party: First evaluation of the election results in Turkey
- LIVE TICKER: Turkey at a turning point? Election observation, obstacles and developments
- If Erdogan loses, his myth will be over and it will be a turning point for Turkey
- Turkey’s Election Is About Democracy Itself