The Kurds and the referendum

As we all know, the governing Justice and Development Party (AKP) not only silenced the main Kurdish party, the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), but also all opposition supporting Kurdish rights and freedoms. It is not just that many lawmakers, mayors and local politicians are under arrest and charged with terrorism, but it is almost impossible to suggest any alternative to the government's Kurdish policy without being accused of supporting terrorism and terrorists. Moreover, all those who are saying "no" to the presidential system ahead of the April 16 referendum are being defined as the collaborators of terrorists, including the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

Nevertheless, it is quite curious that the Kurdish politicians of the governing party are silent rather than outspoken, both about the Kurdish issue and the presidential system. It must be because they are choosing to focus on Kurdish voters and are trying to convince them that the presidential system will benefit Kurdish rights. They cannot be outspoken about it, since such propaganda endangers the AKP's alliance with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). Under the circumstances, they are trying to convince the Kurds that the coalition with the MHP is a temporary political tactic to ensure a "yes" vote in the referendum and that once the presidential system is established, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will feel free to pursue pro-Kurdish politics. The myth that "one can make peace with enemies better than friends" is being manipulated for the sake of ensuring Kurdish votes in favor of the presidential system. Besides, the belief in "making a deal with the powerful rather than walking along with weak friends" aids this propaganda. That is why some Kurdish circles have targeted the...