HDP Dersim general election candidates Edibe Şahin and Alican Önlü opened an election office in the Pertek district of Dersim yesterday. The opening ceremony was attended by Dersim Co-mayor Mehmet Ali Bul and members of HDP, DBP, DHF, Partizan, ESP and EMEP.

Dersim Co-mayor Mehmet Ali Bul spoke at the ceremony, saying that the HDP project of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan had begun to frighten the forces of capital, and that the HDP would take its place in parliament with its new life project that involved all sections of society.

He added that 7 June would be a turning point for Turkey.

HDP Dersim candidate Alican Önlü said the difference between HDP and the other parties was that while the other parties all wanted to establish a strong state, the HDP wanted a strong society.

The other candidate, Edibe Şahin, said: “Women constitute half of society. We want equality. We want to resolve our own problems.”

Şahin emphasised that they would oppose the mentality that wanted to enforce a single identity and language, and seek more powers for local authorities.

Following the speeches the office was opened. The candidates then explained the HDP's 'New Life' project. An office was also opened in the Hozat district. Hundreds of people attended the opening, performing folk dances accompanied by local music groups.