A "Democracy and Peace" conference took place at the Bosphorus University, organised by the Democracy and Peace Conference Coordination.

BDP (Peace and Democracy Party)  Co-chair Gültan Kışanak spoke on the topic of "the concept of autonomous administration and free and democratic local government"

Kışanak emphasized that in Turkey the lack of popular participation in administration was a major problem, adding: "Democracy in Turkey is limited to going to the polling station to cast a vote every 5 years."

Kışanak said that the problem of administration lay at the point where the questions of peace and democracy intersected, adding: "In Turkey the question of peace and democracy is at the root of all the problems we experience. Without resolving this nothing else will be resolved." Kışanak pointed out that the concept of government in Turkey was based on the idea of appropriation, adding: "The central state structure, local administration and electoral law are all designed to restrict participation. It has been established on the basis of the absolute rule of the powerful, on appropriation. The Kurdish question has arisen from this. If the Kurds had been able to take part in government we would not be facing such a massive Kurdish problem."

Kışanak recalled that when the words local government and autonomy appeared side by side people claimed: "the Kurds will establish a separate country and divide us". However, continued Kışanak, "local government can resolve certain problems. In the constitution of 1921 it was stated that local administrations are autonomous, but this was removed from the constitution of 1924. Why is there such a fear of autonomy? Why shouldn't local government be autonomous? Those who wish to establish a Turkish, Sunni, Moslem, male society are usurping the rights of peoples. There is an alliance against the word autonomy. This is fear of that which is different. Instead of this efforts should be made to ensure autonomous local administrations for everyone."

Kışanak said: "If we devolve local power to the people all the problems of this country will be resolved," adding that it was important to have local government in order to meet the needs of the population, and to have the budget administrated locally, and that this should be done in a democratic way. Kışanak continued, saying it was necessary for a different social understanding to replace the existing administrative structure in order for autonomy to be put into practice.

Kışanak said "For autonomous administrations to become reality there is a legal stumbling block," adding: "Without reform, conflict will continue between society, the people, and between local and central. If we are to come out on top we must build a movement. The most important component of the model of autonomous local government is its democratic aspect. Everyone, all social layers who feel their rights have been usurped should organise in the manner they wish. It is time to win. We will implement an administration that is appropriate to meet people's needs."