Leftist alliance gives conditioned green light to joint presidential candidate

Turkey’s third big alliance formed by six leftist opposition parties said it would support a joint candidate in the upcoming presidential elections in Turkey if their conditions are met.

The Labor and Freedom, which was found under the leadership of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in September, left parties like the Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP), the Labour Party (EMEP), the Workers’ Movement Party (EHP), the Social Freedom Party (TÖP) and the Federation of Socialist Assemblies (SMF).

After the party leaders met in Istanbul on Thursday, the alliance made a written statement saying it was close to support a joint candidate by the opposition if the sides could reach an agreement.

Turkey is facing presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for June this year, arguably one of the most critical polls in the country’s history. Erdogan, supported by his ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) governing ally far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) will run for another term for presidency in the elections.

Meanwhile, a bloc called the Nation Alliance founded by six opposition parties, including the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) who teamed up to restore a parliamentary system in Turkey, are also working to put forward a joint candidate to run against Erdogan.

Labor and Freedom in its statement called on the opposition to leave aside the difference and unify voices against the oppression and violence by the government.

After reviewing all possible ways and methods, “to liberate Turkey from this one-man regime” the Labor and Freedom said it was “close to the option of a joint candidate, if agreed on principles.”

“As an alliance, we are aware of our historical responsibility in this matter and we are more determined than ever to fulfill all our responsibilities to save Turkey from the current conditions, “the statement said.