HDP co-chair leaves door open for supporting Kılıçdaroğlu’s presidential candidacy

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Pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Mithat Sancar on March 6 left the door open for supporting main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu presidential candidacy.

Sancar told broadcaster Habertürk that they could consider entering elections with a single opposition candidate. Although the HDP previously stated that they will run with their own candidate, the HDP co-chair stated that earthquakes that struck the country in February created new conditions for election strategies. 

Sancar said that they are re-evaluating their decision and they can support a joint candidate if conditions allow.

Later, the HDP co-chair highlighted that a bargain or a ministerial dispute is not on their agenda. “Our aim is to reach a compromise that will ensure a democratic change. Our main goal is to bring democracy, peace, and justice to this country. We are waiting to discuss these,” he added.

Sancar said that “We have no interest in imposing our program and getting it accepted” and commented that they want to finalize elections in the first round. 

Sancar wished luck to the CHP leader and invited him to the HDP headquarters. 

HDP's jailed former co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş shared Sancar's remarks on Twitter and said "We wish good luck to Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu. We are inviting him to the HDP (headquarters)."

The Nation Alliance's presidential candidate Kılıçdaroğlu on March 6 said “The door of the Nation Alliance is open to everyone who shares the dream of a common Turkey. We greet our 85 million people wholeheartedly, regardless of belief, thought, ideology, or identity.”