Kurdish politicians in exile spoke to ANF about the elections to be held on May 14 and called on voters to go to the polls.

EVERY PATRIOT SHOULD WORK WITH CANDIDATES

Former Mayor of Ağrı, Hüseyin Yılmaz: I would like to convey our love and respect to our people. In every election period, candidates may not be the most popular ones. But we are going through a difficult process. The people of Ağrı played their part in the past, and I believe they will play their part in this election as well. Candidates should never be discussed. Since it is a matter of life and death, every Kurdish person who has faith, conscience and integrity should work with the candidates during the election campaign. We should be concerned about how we can increase our votes. This is what it means to be a patriot.

WE ARE IN A POSITION TO GET RID OF THE FASCIST SYSTEM

Former Co-Mayor of Van-İpekyolu, Veysel Keser: As you know, Turkey will start its second century with this election. It is a chance to see whether voters will support a totalitarian, anti-democratic and denialist fascist regime, or opt for a system that is democratic and respects human rights and freedoms in Turkey. This election is crucial for our people, who have been subjected to massacres, oppression and violence in every field. As you can see, there is every form of crackdown against Kurdish politicians and activists. Our municipalities have been usurped by the government; many Kurdish politicians have been arrested. All the achievements of the Kurdish people have been attacked. Prosecutors demand life sentences for many Kurdish politicians in the Kobanê trial. There is an attempt to eliminate the achievements of the Kurdish people, and the government wants to pursue the same policies in 2023. The elections on May 14 are very important because the Kurds can promote their honour, will and direction in the second century of the republic. The Kurds play a key role in the development of democracy and fundamental rights and freedoms in Turkey. In a sense, the Green Left Party will save the republic. The Kurds can save the country from the current fascist system. We urge our people to support our party and its election campaign.”

ELECTIONS WILL AFFECT OUR LIVES FUNDAMENTALLY

Former Mayor of Batman, Nejdet Atalay: Turkey will either head towards darkness and backsliding, or towards democracy and freedom. It will be a matter to life and death. Political parties have already revealed their policies and positions. Either darkness or light. Either freedom or non-freedom. Either backsliding or progress. Either democracy or a monist, authoritarian regime. This is important for all peoples. It is important for the Kurds, Turks, Bosnians, Armenians, other minority groups and beliefs. In this respect, we are all at a crossroads. The elections will affect our lives fundamentally. For these reasons, we can say that turnout at elections will be a record high in the history of the republic. I hope that everyone will vote for enlightenment, democracy and progress. The Kurdish people want to destroy fascism. This is the most dominant feeling in Batman and Diyarbakır. They want to get rid of this darkness. They want to reflect their choice at the ballot box at the maximum rate. I call on all Kurdish voters, democrats, the Turks and the Arabs to vote in favour of the Green Left Party."

KURDS HOLD THE KEY TO TURKEY'S NEW CENTURY

CDK-F Co-Chair Abdullah Ülmez: There will be a historic election in Turkey. Maybe it will be an election that will shape the next century. It will show that the Kurds are a key political actor in Turkey. In this respect, it is a very important election. The centenary of the republic is also the centenary of the Kurdish denial and the Kurdish genocide policy. The Kurds are determined to change this history. In this sense, it is of great importance to the Kurds. We have no doubt that the people of Amed, my hometown, will do their part in the elections. The election campaign there and the enthusiasm of the people give us hope. In this respect, the Green Left Party will win all 12 seats in Amed.

WE MUST DEFEAT THIS FASCIST GOVERNMENT

Former Co-Mayor of Hinis, Hasan Basri Fırat: On May 14, there will be a very important election for us, the Kurds. The Kurds living in Turkey and in Europe must go to the polls and vote for the Green Left Party. If the Erdogan-Bahceli mentality comes to power again, they will eliminate all Kurdish achievements. The Kurds should not forget this. This government has imprisoned politicians that represent our political will. It appointed trustees to our municipalities. It has promised to destroy all our achievements. It has deceived the Kurds in the name of Islam. This government is hostile to the Kurds. Everyone should consider this. This election is very important for the Kurds. May 14 is an opportunity for us. We must defeat this fascist government for our rights, justice and freedom. Let's not just vote, let's also encourage others to vote.