Turkey’s Labour Party (EMEP) will field its candidates under the united list of Green Left Party in order to maximise seat gains in the 14 May elections, the party announced on Wednesday.
“Defeating the one-man rule and advancing the struggle of oppressed and exploited masses is the current and urgent goal for our party, so fortifying our joint efforts with the Labour and Freedom Alliance remains our priority,” EMEP said in a statement.
The party has been in favour of multiple parties running under a single list, “so our alliance can emerge strong from these elections”, it added. “However, we could not agree on this outcome in talks with constituents of the alliance and friendly forces.”
Another constituent of the left-wing alliance, Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP), decided to field candidates under its own banner, while Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), the largest member of the alliance, will run under the Greens.
HDP’s choice is based on an ongoing case to shut the party down. If the Constitutional Court rules that the party has “become a focal point for terroristic activity”, as per Turkish law, 481 of its top officials including co-chairs, MPs and mayors will be barred from holding or running for office.
