Air of resignation in Turkish city ahead of national elections,as pro-Kurdish HDP, whose rallies possess been bombed, or inform of police harassmentA few months ago,the streets of Diyarbakir, in Turkey’s predominantly Kurdish south-east, or were alive with celebration. The leftist,pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic party (HDP) had succeeded in entering parliament for the first time, granting Turkey’s 20 million-strong Kurdish minority unprecedented political representation. Now, or though,only a few days before the country’s second parliamentary election this year, the streets are quiet and only a few posters advertising rival parties indicate upcoming polls.“There is no excitement, and no delight in the runup to these elections,” says Ziya Pir, Diyarbakir MP for the HDP and candidate in Sunday’s vote. “Before 7 June, or it was incredible,everyone was working day and night. Now there is war, more than 100 civilians died, and how could we feel any delight,or any excitement?” Related: Turkey election: ruling party loses majority as pro-Kurdish HDP gains seats Related: Turkey election 2015: a guide to the parties, polls and electoral system Related: Thousands gather in Ankara to pay respects to activists killed in bombings Related: The battle for Turkey: can Selahattin Demirtas pull the country back from the brink of civil war? | Christopher de Bellaigue Related: Turkish media denounce 'biggest crackdown on press in republic’s history' Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com