Yüksekdağ and Demirtaş Elected As HDP’s Co-Chairpersons

After the Congress of People’s Democracy Party (HDP), Figen Yüksekdağ and Selahattin Demirtaş was elected as new co-chairpersons. The election was held with a single list. 

Took place in Ankara, the congress also determined HDP’s new Party Assembly, Central Disciplinary Board and Reconciliation Board members. While the former co-chairperson Ertuğrul Kürkçü was elected as honorary chairman, Sebahat Tuncel remained as a member of party assembly.

According to Dicle News Agency (DİHA), amendments have been made in the party’s statue as well. According to this, the number of Party Assembly members increased from 80 to 100. Central Executive Commission, on other hand, increased from 25 to 29. The co-chairperson system was also adjusted to the statute. The co-chairperson system in provencal organization, however, remained de facto. It was also noted that two co-chairpersons could also be women within the party’s principle of %50 positive discrimination. 

Who is Figen Yüksekdağ? 

Figen Yüksekdağ was born in 1971 in Yumurtalık, Adana. She joined political movements from the early days of her university years. She took part of women's struggle for years. She also worked at Atılım newspaper's media board member for two terms. 

In 2009, prior to her arrest due to political activities, she worked as the editor-in-chief of Sosyalist Kadın magazine. In 2003, she ran in general elections as independent candidate from Adana.

Yüksekdağ is currently the chairperson of Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP).

Who is Selahattin Demirtaş?

Born in 1973, Selahattin Demirtaş graduated from Ankara University Law Faculty. He is on the Board of Directors of the Diyarbakir Branch of the Human Rights Association (IHD). 

Selahattin Demirtaş was elected to the Turkish Parliament in the 2007 election as an MP for Diyarbakir for the Democratic Society Party (DTP), which eventually re-formed as the BDP. (Bk/BM)

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