In the lead-up to the 31 March local elections in Turkey, the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) has completed its primaries in various Kurdish-majority regions, including a significant turnout in Van (Wan). Co-chairs Gönül Uzunay and Veysi Dilekçi of DEM Party in Van have announced the completion of the public voting process, signalling a robust response to the government-appointed trustees and the ruling party.
The primaries, held on 13-14 January, were part of the party’s initiative to choose co-mayor candidates, municipal council members, and provincial council members. The process, marked by enthusiastic participation despite technical delays in some districts, was a testament to the party’s commitment to democratic representation.
Gönül Uzunay emphasised the significance of the public voting, viewing it as a critical response to the system that undermines Kurdish will. “Despite pressures on our party, we’ve shown how democracy should function. Our candidates, chosen by the people, represent our voice and our commitment to democracy, not just in Kurdistan and Turkey, but globally,” they stated.
Echoing Uzunay’s sentiments, Veysi Dilekçi highlighted the party’s resolve to reclaim all 14 municipalities in Van from the trustees, describing the upcoming local elections as an opportunity to deliver a historical lesson. Dilekçi’s message was clear: despite eight years of suppressed public will, the Kurdish community remains steadfast in support for DEM Party candidates and a local governance vision.
In the southeastern city of Diyarbakır (Amed), one of the primary focal points, candidates presented their projects before the voting commenced. Approximately 20,000 delegates participated in the polls, which extended into the evening hours, underscoring the high level of political engagement in these regions. Notably, in Diyarbakır, 15 candidates, including four women and eleven men, contended for the significant position of co-mayor of Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality.
Despite challenging weather conditions, there was a significant turnout in Şırnak’s (Şirnex) Silopi (Silopiya) district, reflecting a strong commitment to democratic processes. Delegates like Naif Çapan and Muhammed Zorlu expressed optimism and determination to replace government-appointed trustees with elected representatives, emphasising the community’s deep understanding of their local issues. This sentiment was echoed across various districts, where candidates were chosen not just for political affiliations but for their ability to address specific local challenges and represent diverse community interests.
These primaries represent a critical moment for the DEM Party and the Kurdish community in Turkey. The emphasis on grassroots democracy, self-governance and challenging the trustee system underscores a significant shift towards more inclusive and representative governance.
