In the lead-up to Turkey’s 31 March 2024 Local Administrations Elections, allegations continue to surface about voter registration manipulations across various cities and districts in the country. Specifically, it has been revealed that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has transferred 2,970 voters to the Kulp (Pasûr) district in Diyarbakır (Amed).
During the 31 March 2019 elections, the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) won the municipality with 8,866 votes, while the AKP received 7,109 votes. As of the 14 May 2023 general elections, the number of voters in the city was 23,047. However, within just seven months, this number increased to 26,017.
The most significant increase in voter numbers was observed in the Turgut Özal neighbourhood. From 4,481 voters in the 14 May elections, the count rose to 5,561 by 1 January 2024. Additionally, 392 names were added in the Zeyrek neighbourhood and 168 in the Hamzalı neighbourhood. In the Uzunova neighbourhood, there was an increase of 387 voters.
The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Kulp District Organisation revealed plans to file a complaint to the District Election Board regarding these voter registration shifts. Abdulhakim Okut, co-chair of DEM Party Kulp District, expressed his concerns, saying, “They are aware that the trustees will leave, so they are paying special attention to Eğil (Gêl), Kulp, and Hazro (Hezro) districts, where the vote difference is narrow. They are transferring voters from military areas to Kulp, where they can’t win. There is a concerted effort for Kulp.”
Okut accused the party in power of resorting to various deceptions and urged city residents to check the voter lists. “We will pursue the legal process. This is not just a local election; it’s significant for the recognition of our political will in the Middle East and the world,” he stated.