HDP to hold urgent meeting over split in opposition alliance

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The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) is holding an urgent meeting tomorrow (March 4) following a split in the main opposition alliance over presidential candidacy.

The party's Central Executive Committee will convene to discuss the latest developments.

Earlier in the day, Meral Akşener, leader of the İYİ (Party) announced that her party would not support the candidacy of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

Other than the İYİ Party leader, the five other leaders in the alliance known as the "Table of Six" agreed on Kılıçdaroğlu's candidacy, Akşener also revealed.

The HDP, which leads the Labor and Freedom Alliance including four left-wing parties, previously announced that they would nominate a separate candidate in the election while leaving the door open for supporting the Table of Six if they put up a candidate who suits them.

The HDP's support would be crucial against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as the six parties are not anticipated to get more than 50 percent of the votes, which is required for the presidency. (ME/VK)