Kurdish-left alliance declares support for Kılıçdaroğlu in presidential election

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The Labor and Freedom Alliance, a coalition of left-wing political parties in Turkey, has announced their support for Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the presidential candidate of the main opposition Nation Alliance, in the upcoming May 14 elections.

Mithat Sancar, co-chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Mithat Sancar, made the announcement late yesterday, stating that the alliance would throw its support behind Kılıçdaroğlu in the presidential race.

In late March, the alliance had announced that it wouldn't field a candidate for presidency, which was widely perceived as undeclared support for Kılıçdaroğlu.

In a written statement today, the alliance called on the voters to support Kılıçdaroğlu in the presidential election and to vote for the Labor and Freedom Alliance in the parliamentary elections.

"A historical duty"

"Turkey is heading towards its most important election under the conditions of multiple crises, including political, social, and economic. Despite the challenges posed by the current crises, the peoples of Turkey are focused on saving their future and succeeding in the May 14 elections. The tradition of the people of Turkey and the oppressed has always been resistance against authoritarian and fascist ideologies, and our alliance stands by that tradition.

"As the Labor and Democracy Alliance, we have come together as revolutionary, democratic, and oppressed people of Turkey. We have decided not to nominate a candidate for the presidential election but to run as a coalition in the parliamentary election.

"In this critical phase of Turkey's politics, we are committed to fulfilling our historical duty to both our past and future generations. We hereby announce our support for Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in the upcoming presidential election.

"It is crucial to note that victory against fascism in this crucial election will only be possible by winning the presidential race. It is also important to achieve a parliamentary majority in order to push back fascism.

"Therefore, we call on all citizens of Turkey to vote for the Labor and Freedom Alliance in the parliamentary elections and to support our struggle for the rights of the oppressed, exploited, and marginalized groups in Turkey." (RT/VK)