Turkey's pro-Kurdish party, the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), is emerging as a key player in the country's upcoming election, potentially tipping the balance against two-decade ruler Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The HDP announced last month that it would not field its own presidential candidate, allowing supporters of Erdogan's main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, to vote for him. This move has analysts predicting a significant impact on the outcome of the election.
Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) have long been at odds with the HDP, which was founded in 2012 with the aim of peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kurdish conflict. However, after seven years in prison, former HDP leader Selahattin Demirtas has emerged as an influential figure.
The Turkish government's crackdown on the HDP is seen as a major factor in Erdogan's grip on power, but the party remains a powerful force, with influence extending beyond its Kurdish base.
As the election approaches, the HDP's decision not to field a candidate poses significant challenges for Kilicdaroglu. The party's support could be crucial in determining the outcome of the vote, as traditional Kurdish voters have historically backed Erdogan's AKP.
Analysts warn that if the opposition is seen as allying with the HDP, Erdogan's AK Party may use its influence in the media to discredit it as being pro-PKK. However, experts say that the deliberate distance taken by the HDP could be beneficial for Kilicdaroglu, allowing him to maintain a strong campaign without being associated with the party.
The HDP knows that its position is key to the outcome of next month's vote, but it is also in a delicate situation due to ongoing court cases and potential closure. Asli Aydintasbas, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution, notes that the party's threat to Erdogan's hold on power became apparent after the June 2015 election.
Kilicdaroglu has expressed support for the HDP and its Kurdish population, stating that the solution to Turkey's problems lies in parliament. However, analysts say that it is unclear whether the HDP will endorse Kilicdaroglu or not, but their influence may nonetheless determine the course of Turkish politics.
In a twist of irony, Erdogan's crackdown on the HDP has only strengthened its resolve. The party has stated that it faces a turning point in shaping Turkey's future and will not field a presidential candidate to avoid polarizing the elections.
With the stakes high, analysts warn that the outcome of the election is far from certain. As the world watches, one thing is clear: the HDP's influence will be crucial in determining the course of Turkish politics for years to come.
The HDP announced last month that it would not field its own presidential candidate, allowing supporters of Erdogan's main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, to vote for him. This move has analysts predicting a significant impact on the outcome of the election.
Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) have long been at odds with the HDP, which was founded in 2012 with the aim of peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kurdish conflict. However, after seven years in prison, former HDP leader Selahattin Demirtas has emerged as an influential figure.
The Turkish government's crackdown on the HDP is seen as a major factor in Erdogan's grip on power, but the party remains a powerful force, with influence extending beyond its Kurdish base.
As the election approaches, the HDP's decision not to field a candidate poses significant challenges for Kilicdaroglu. The party's support could be crucial in determining the outcome of the vote, as traditional Kurdish voters have historically backed Erdogan's AKP.
Analysts warn that if the opposition is seen as allying with the HDP, Erdogan's AK Party may use its influence in the media to discredit it as being pro-PKK. However, experts say that the deliberate distance taken by the HDP could be beneficial for Kilicdaroglu, allowing him to maintain a strong campaign without being associated with the party.
The HDP knows that its position is key to the outcome of next month's vote, but it is also in a delicate situation due to ongoing court cases and potential closure. Asli Aydintasbas, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution, notes that the party's threat to Erdogan's hold on power became apparent after the June 2015 election.
Kilicdaroglu has expressed support for the HDP and its Kurdish population, stating that the solution to Turkey's problems lies in parliament. However, analysts say that it is unclear whether the HDP will endorse Kilicdaroglu or not, but their influence may nonetheless determine the course of Turkish politics.
In a twist of irony, Erdogan's crackdown on the HDP has only strengthened its resolve. The party has stated that it faces a turning point in shaping Turkey's future and will not field a presidential candidate to avoid polarizing the elections.
With the stakes high, analysts warn that the outcome of the election is far from certain. As the world watches, one thing is clear: the HDP's influence will be crucial in determining the course of Turkish politics for years to come.