Our member party, Yeşil Sol, has played a crucial role as one of the main
components of the opposition.

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Dear John,

 

We are writing you with an update on the recent Parliamentary and
Presidential elections in Turkey, which our European Green mission closely
observed.

 

THREATS TO TRANSPARENCY AND DEMOCRACY

 

The situation on the ground has revealed concerning developments that
threaten the transparency of the electoral process, freedom of expression,
and the integrity of democracy itself.

 

As you may be aware, Turkey has been under the increasingly authoritarian
rule of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the past 20 years. Throughout this
period, Erdoğan's government has actively suppressed political opponents,
curtailed freedom of the press, and eroded the rights of various groups,
including academics, journalists, minorities, women and the LGBTI
community. The inflation crisis and collapsing currency have also caused
great concern among people in Turkey.

 

GREEN PARTY'S CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE OPPOSITION

 

Our member party, Yeşil Sol, has played a crucial role as one of the main
components of the opposition. They have steadfastly stood for minority
rights, democracy, and social justice, representing the voices of those
marginalised under Erdoğan's regime.

 

Despite the very difficult conditions for conducting an election campaign,
61 candidates from Yeşil Sol were elected to Turkey's Grand National
Assembly on 14 May. Their voice in Turkey is more important than ever.

[6]

Click on the image or here [6] to read our thread about the Turkish
elections.

REPORTS HIGHLIGHTING CHALLENGES

 

Recent reports from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe
and the Council of Europe have shed light on these issues. The joint report
highlights the criminalisation of political forces in the democratic
opposition, detention of opposition politicians, prosecutions and arrests
of journalists, misuse of public resources, blocking and removal of online
content, and biased media coverage.

 

We strongly encourage you to read the report for more detailed insights
into the challenges faced during the elections. [7]

ALARMING INCIDENTS ON ELECTION DAY

 

Furthermore, alarming incidents occurred on election day itself.
Intimidation of voters by the army in Kurdish-majority areas, obstruction
of election observers, deliberate efforts to delay the vote counting
process, and indications of systematic voting fraud have been reported.

 

Our Green partners in Turkey, particularly Yeşil Sol, were specifically
targeted, with significant numbers of their votes being misattributed by
the ruling coalition's far-right partner, MHP.

 

SUPPRESSION OF FREE EXPRESSION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

 

The situation has been further exacerbated by the suppression of free
expression by social media platforms. Twitter, upon the Turkish
government's request, blocked several accounts, actively limiting the
voices of Turkish citizens. Such actions erode the democratic principles of
open dialogue and inclusive participation.

 

[8]

“ERDOĞAN AND HIS ALLIES, THE FAR-RIGHT NATIONALIST MOVEMENT PARTY, MHP,
OPERATE THROUGH THE SYSTEMIC SILENCING OF DISSENT.”

– MINA JACK TOLU FOR _TIMES MALTA_

Read Mina Jack's report

 

WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE!

 

In light of these developments, it is crucial that we stand in solidarity
with the citizens and political parties in Turkey who are seeking
democratic change. We call upon the Turkish authorities to refrain from
interfering in the election process and commit to ensuring free and fair
elections. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but we must not
give in to pessimism or despair.

 

We, as the European Greens, will continue to closely monitor the situation
on the ground and support our Green partners in Turkey. It is evident that
a large-scale mobilisation will be necessary to safeguard the integrity of
the upcoming second round of the Presidential election on 28 May.

 

HOPE AND DETERMINATION IN CHALLENGING TIMES

 

Co-spokesperson of Yeşil Sol, Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar, has expressed
the importance of maintaining hope and determination in their efforts to
bring an end to Erdoğan's regime. We must stand by their side during this
hopeful yet challenging path.

 

Let us join forces to ensure that the principles of democracy,
transparency, and freedom are upheld in Turkey and around the world.
Together, we can write a new chapter for Turkey and the rest of Europe.

 

In solidarity,

 

MÉLANIE VOGEL & MINA JACK TOLU

 

Mélanie Vogel

Co-chair of the European Greens

Mina Jack Tolu

Committee member of the European Greens

 

[I'm an image]

Mina Jack Tolu at a party rally of Yeşil Sol before the first round of the
elections.

[I'm an image]

Mélanie Vogel at the election party of Yeşil Sol.

[I'm an image]

Party rally of Yeşil Sol before the first round of the elections.

[I'm an image]

Supporters of Yeşil Sol at a rally before the first round of the
elections.

[I'm an image]

Depiction of current president Erdoğan on a building in Istanbul.

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