Syria Problem and Economic Downturn of Hatay; No Excitement for the Election

While general election excites many, people in Hatay province (Southern Turkey) don’t seem so excited. Except the party headquarters, a serious enthusiasm for election isn’t in evidence. 

People agree that due to Syria policy, votes of Justice and Development Party (AKP) will decrease while HDP will take a bit more votes.

According to Fazlı Gündüz from local newspaper, Şaşmaz, CHP hasn’t a suitable deputy candidate. That’s why, HDP will take a sum of its votes. 

We talked to the local people. A retired teacher complained that tourists didn’t come to Hatay anymore because of the government’s Syria policy and tension in the region. She added she would vote for republican People’s Party (CHP) not Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) because she was not sure whether HDP would create a coalition with AKP or not.

An 80-year-old woman: “My husband is confined to bed for 20 years. The state helps a bit and our neighbors help, too. I just wish peace and freedom for youth. What else do I wish? God help us!”

Many people think the votes of AKP will decrease in forthcoming election.

Previous elections:

 In previous election, CHP took 41,2%, AKP took 40,5% and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) took 15,3% of the votes.

In 2011 local election, AKP had five deputies, CHP had four deputies and MHP had one deputy.

Deputy candidates:

Finally, we spoke with deputy candidate, Nihat Eraslan from HDP, Ahmet Atıç, provincial Head of AKP and Adnan Şefik Çirkin, Provincial Head of MHP related to the latest situation in Hatay.

Eraslan from HDP expressed they would pass the election threshold and have at least one deputy and HDP would be an important alternative because the oppression against all citizens in Hatay increased.

Ahmet Atıç from AKP defended there wasn’t any political tension in Hatay and added AKP chased after 55% of the votes.

Şefik Çirkin from MHP mentioned the economic problems. Çirkin told 8000 trailer trucks were empty and 50000 people were jobless due to Syria War. (EKN/BD)

* This tour has been made with the help of coordinatorship of P24.

 Click here to read this article in Turkish