Tensions are at boiling point in Turkey’s Kurdish-majority Van following the contested outcome of the city’s local elections. International media outlets report protests and clashes after election officials overturned the victory of pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) candidate Abdullah Zeydan. Demonstrators reportedly chanted, “There is a coup in Van.”
According to Reuters, the DEM Party secured historic success in Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast, and none less than in Van, with Zeydan securing 55.5% of the votes, defeating the AKP candidate who received only 27.2%. However, the Ministry of Justice’s last-minute objection to Zeydan’s candidacy, just two days before the vote and minutes before the close of business, led to a court ruling that disqualified him, prompting widespread condemnation and allegations of political interference.
France Le Monde, in collaboration with AFP, detailed the protests that erupted in response to the ruling, with police deploying tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators in Van and Istanbul. Re-elected mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, condemned the decision as “unacceptable” and called for respect for the people’s will. The ruling was widely characterised as a “political coup” against Zeydan and the Kurdish community.
The Times reported on Turkish authorities’ move to prevent Zeydan from taking office and promptly replace him with a candidate aligned with President Erdogan. Meanwhile, ABC News highlighted the broader success of the DEM Party, which won municipalities in nine other provinces across Turkey’s predominantly Kurdish southeast.
The situation in Van continues to escalate, with protests ongoing as citizens demand justice and respect for democratic principles under international scrutiny of Turkey’s electoral process and commitment to minority rights. It has yet to be seen whether Zeydan will successfully appeal the decision.