TEHRAN – A leading member of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) predicts that the ruling AK party in Turkey could be the “main loser” in the November 1 parliamentary elections if the security and economic situation continues to worsen in the country.

Osman Faruk Logoglu made the remarks in a interview with the Tehran Times.

This is the interview:

Q: Isn’t Erdogan intentionally creating tensions inside Turkey for his political purpose, I mean removing Kurdish parties under the pretext of fight against the PKK in order to gain majority in the next parliamentary election?

A: According to latest opinion polls, President Erdogan’s strategy of demonizing the HDP to win back the votes AKP lost in the June elections appears to be backfiring.  The blame for growing terrorist attacks is being mostly attributed to AKP policies, reflected in a substantial fall of AKP votes. On the other hand, HDP’s emphasis on peace and calls for non-violence seem to be making more sense to the people.
 
Q: If Erdogan succeeds to remove Kurdish parties in the next election, will it be possible for other parties like CHP to attract the votes of HDP supporters?

A: If current trends in the security situation and the worsening of economic conditions continue, AKP could be the main loser in the elections on November 1. 

Q: Is there possibility of election fraud by the ruling government?

A: This prospect would probably not lead to major tempering with the ballot box. OSCE did criticize President Erdogan for violating election norms by campaigning for AKP in June, but the voters punished him for it. 

Q: If he succeeds to remove Kurdish parties in the next election, will it be possible for other parties like CHP to attract the votes of HDP supporters?

A: The more likely AKP response could be the postponement of elections.  All in all I believe that the elections will be held on November 1, resulting in a 4-party parliament (AKP, CHP, HDP and MHP) and forcing the formation of a coalition government.

Q: If Erdogan continues to breach democratic norms by polarizing the society, is there any possibility of social or political unrest?

A: No, Turkey will not go down the path of internal strife. Thé society is polarized enough already.  But no one wants more violence. I think AKP will be out of power on November 2. And there is nothing anyone can do to change the outcome.”

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All in all I believe that the elections will be held on November 1, resulting in a 4-party parliament (AKP, CHP, HDP and MHP) and forcing the formation of a coalition government