Abdullah Zeydan, after being reinstated as the mayor of Van (Wan) by Turkey’s Supreme Election Council, has publicly expressed his gratitude towards the diverse community that supported him. Highlighting the solidarity from political figures, activists and citizens, Zeydan reaffirmed a dedication to serving with the guiding principles of justice, democracy and law.
Abdullah Zeydan’s eligibility was revoked by the Justice Ministry’s objection to the restoration of his civil rights, despite the Supreme Election Board’s prior confirmation of his eligibility. This last-minute legal challenge, lodged just before the elections, aimed to strip Zeydan of his right to stand for election based on a previous legal conviction. This decision reversed an initial ruling that had reinstated his civil rights, including the right to participate in elections, effectively reinstating a ban on his civil rights.
Zeydan thanked supporters through social media, recognising the efforts of citizens, political figures and activists.
Firstly, to our honourable people who splendidly upheld their will, to our Co-chairs, Leyla Zana, Ahmet Türk, Başak Demirtaş, our MPs and all party comrades,
To the esteemed Demirtaş, Mr. Mızraklı, Ms. Gültan Kışanak, Ms. Figen Yüksekdağ, Ms. Sabahat Tuncel, Mr. Bekir Kaya, representing all political prisoners in dungeons,
To all the peoples of Turkey who defend justice, law, democracy, to the workers of the press,
To all political party leaders from the far left to the far right who stand by law and justice, representatives of NGOs and everyone who has shown solidarity, we extend our gratitude.
The decision of the Supreme Election Council, which is based on justice and law, has further strengthened our hopes for the establishment of the supremacy of law in all areas, the achievement of social peace, and the will for a dignified free life together.
Now is the time to serve. Let there be no doubt that we will produce services worthy of our people.
After public resistance in Van against the initial withholding of Zeydan’s certificate, the decision confirmed his position as mayor, leading to city-wide celebrations. Residents started cleaning the streets the following morning, clearing debris from the demonstrations.
Local business owners, who had shuttered their shops in protest, participated in the cleanup. “We’re cleaning up the streets ourselves. It’s our response to having our will respected,” said Mesut Gül, a participating shop owner.
The reinstatement of Abdullah Zeydan as mayor, following his initial disqualification due to a past conviction, marks a significant victory for the opposition against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), especially after their recent losses in local elections. Zeydan, who had won over 55% of the vote, faced a controversial disqualification that led to widespread protests and resulted in hundreds being detained. His arrest in 2016 was for criticising Turkey’s military actions against Kurdish fighters, and his release came in 2022.
