“Turkey will hold a very critical and historic election. It will be an election that will show whether democracy forces could organize their power as a third alternative and whether they could achieve a strong representation in the parliament," said HDP Deputy Co-Chair Temel, who spoke to ANF about the May 14 elections in Turkey.

'DEMOCRATIZATION OF REPUBLIC'

Temel stated: “There is constant propaganda in this election. This is very important. It is about “Century of Turkey”. In fact, both the Nation Alliance and the People's Alliance endorse this propaganda. In other words, 2023 will mark the republic's centenary. How will the republic, which promoted denialist policies and oppression of different identities, be shaped in its centenary? The elections are about this question. In general, will the regime be a democratic one or will it be a denialist, monist, oppressive and despotic regime that will persist in its second century? As the HDP, the Green Left Party and our alliance, we consider the elections as an opportunity to democratize the Republic. Every single vote on behalf of the third way politics will be a blow to the despotic, monist, oppressive and denialist policies of this regime, and an opportunity to thrive for the democratic forces."

'LET’S PROTECT THE BALLOT BOXES'

Temel continued: "That's why we consider every single vote cast on behalf of the Green Left Party as a blow to fascism. For us, going to the polls and voting are a historical responsibility and duty. We urge all our voters to go to the polls.

Another issue is about the protection of the ballot boxes. It would be a mistake to think that this regime would easily abandon its despotic features without protecting the ballot boxes. Because this regime will not easily accept an election defeat. We are faced with a government that can resort to all kinds of tricks, plans and dark scenarios. Therefore, there will be frequent provocative statements and manipulations on election night. Our people, none of our voters and poll watchers should never trust or give credence to any claim, evaluation or comment disseminated by the AKP media. Because it will be their last night. Since it will be the last night of their power, they will seek any kind of election fraud. To avoid it, we made serious preparations. We have more than one poll watcher in each ballot box. We emphasize that these watchers should not leave their field of duty in any case. We think that it would be more correct for them to be informed by the Green Left and other opposition media. Our people should carefully follow the statements of our headquarters on the night of May 14.”