Turkey’s Diyarbakir Bar Association (DBA), in a statement issued on 23 January, expressed serious concern regarding potential interference in the upcoming local elections scheduled for 31 March 2024. The association highlighted irregularities in voter registration, particularly in the context of temporary residency and the assignment of public officials, which could significantly influence election results.
The DBA, led by its President Nahit Eren, pointed out that in the Kulp district alone, 2,790 law enforcement officers have been registered as voters under the pretext of election security. This number, Eren stated, could directly affect the outcome of the elections which determine local governance. The association called on the High Electoral Board (YSK) to investigate and address the discrepancies.
Concerns have been driven by a significant increase in the number of voters registered in various Diyarbakir (Amed) districts since the 2019 elections. In Eğil, the voter count rose from 14,592 in 2019 to 16,123 for the upcoming 2024 elections. Similarly, in Hazro, the number increased from 10,101 in 2019 to 11,246, and in Kulp from 22,904 to 26,121. These figures suggest a disproportionate rise likely to affect the integrity of the elections.