Existence of Kurdish voters must be discussed openly with public: Main opposition CHP

The existence of Kurdish voters in Turkey, as well as the issues concerning the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) must be discussed openly, a committee of field researchers from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) said in a report. An alliance that doesn't mobilize the Kurdish voter base is highly unlikely to win the elections, the report added.

HDP Co-Chair Mithat Sancar (L) is seen with CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu after a meeting on Feb. 5.

Serkan Alan / DUVAR

Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) should start including Kurdish voters in their rhetoric, and openly discuss the issues concerning the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), a committee of CHP field researchers said in a report. 

"It's crucial to talk about the HDP and Kurdish voters within the reality and entirety of social and political life, without fear or hesitation," the field researchers said in the report presented to CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. 

The report said voters are of the opinion that a political alliance that doesn't acknowledge Kurdish voters will not come to power by just gaining the religiously conservative base in the elections.

"The field research says that an alliance the CHP enters must be strictly left-leaning, social democrat alliance that doesn't compromise on secularism," Rufay Karahan, founder of the "CHP Ruling Movement," said about the report. 

The main opposition should also be portraying themselves to be ready to rule at any time, the report said, adding that they should emphasize their battle against human rights violations. 

The idea that the CHP is out on the field to protect "people's assets and freedoms" should be actively practiced and brought to the forefront, the report said.

The CHP report comes shortly after a closure suit was filed against the HDP as well as the expulsion of HDP MP Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu from the parliament because of a social media post.