The local elections are considered an initial step towards the presidential elections expected in 2028 (Getty Images)
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The results of the Turkish local elections that took place yesterday, Sunday, in 81 Turkish states, with the participation of 36 political parties, are witnessing widespread interest and anticipation from millions of Arabs, whether residing in Turkey or living outside it.
Although these elections may not carry the political weight of the presidential elections, members of the Arab community in Turkey are paying great attention to them, given their direct impact on their lives and future, especially for those who hold Turkish citizenship.
Local elections in Turkey directly affect Arabs residing in the country, given that municipalities play a crucial role in managing public services, either facilitating or complicating daily procedures for foreigners.
In addition, the local elections are considered an initial step towards the presidential elections expected in 2028, which directly affects the Arab presence in Turkey.
On the other hand, the issue of refugees and foreigners residing in the country continues as a tool for electoral propaganda and political competition between the Turkish opposition and the government, which raises concerns about security and social peace in the country, according to analyzes of some observers.
Opposition candidates targeted Turkey's conservative voter base with (French) election propaganda
Arab naturalized people
Official figures denied accusations against the Turkish government of accelerating the naturalization process to gain additional votes ahead of the recent presidential elections. According to statistics, about 240,000 naturalized voters participated in the electoral process, where Syrians were the majority with a number of 167,703 voters, while the total number of naturalized Syrians reached Throughout the country, 238 thousand and 55 people.
Despite the criticism directed by the Turkish opposition against Arab refugees and naturalized citizens, it is at the same time trying to attract their votes. For example, the Welfare Party recently distributed leaflets in Arabic for its candidate in the municipality of Reyhanli district of Hatay province, with the aim of attracting naturalized Syrian voters.
This Participation is the best part of the company. pic.twitter.com/N4vaSFsKYE
- 🎙 Muhbir (@ajans_muhbir) March 13, 2024
Likewise, the Republican People's Party candidate in Istanbul's Buyukcekmece district adopted the same strategy, sparking mixed reactions ranging from ridicule to resentment on social media.
CHP Büyükçekmece Belediye Başkan adayı Hasan Akgün'ün, vatandaşlık now araplardan oy almak için Arapça bildiri bastırıp dağıttığı öğrenildi. pic.twitter.com/QhNQtaQuFb
— KÖRÜG (@koruug) March 20, 2024
Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, political analyst Gokhan Altun believes that some opposition parties, which were opposed to the presence of Arabs in Turkey, took this time in their electoral campaigns a strategy based on adaptation and trying to reconcile with reality instead of merely criticizing, with the aim of finding a common base that allows them to communicate with... Naturalized citizens and convince them of their point of view in the future.
Alton also pointed out that the campaigns carried out by some opposition parties that oppose the continuation of Turkish exports to Israel were partly aimed at gaining the sympathy of naturalized voters, in addition to targeting the Turkish conservative voter base.
He also pointed out the importance of not underestimating naturalized voters during election campaigns, as it is possible to influence their convictions through programs that keep pace with their aspirations and satisfy their ambitions, especially since their role and influence in various aspects of life in Turkey is constantly increasing, which gives them the ability to send messages. Satisfaction or dissatisfaction with government and municipal services through ballot boxes.
Some Arabs in Turkey resent what they called the “dull voice” of the ruling party in supporting and assisting the Palestinian cause (Anadolu Agency)
The Gaza war is a priority
The views of naturalized Arab voters who are eligible to vote in local elections varied regarding the benefit of their participation in the electoral process, as a state of dissatisfaction prevailed in Arab and Turkish circles regarding what they called the “dull voice” of the Justice and Development Party in supporting and assisting the Palestinian cause, especially at a time when The Gaza Strip has been subjected to Israeli aggression for more than 177 days.
This feeling prompted some of them to consider alternative options such as abstaining from voting or voting for conservative parties other than the ruling party.
For his part, Muhammad Hussein, who is of Palestinian origin and has lived in Istanbul for a decade, expressed in an interview with Al Jazeera Net the reason for his abstention from participating in the elections, saying: “In fact, I was disappointed by the Turkish government’s handling of the situation in Gaza.” Although its position was better compared to many Arab and Islamic countries.”
However, Hassan added, "We hoped that Turkey would make greater efforts, given its prominent position globally and politically."
He said, "As an individual committed to a cause to which I express loyalty, I decided to abstain from voting in the recent elections as a form of objection. This decision came as a result of political changes that contradicted the traditions and principles of the country and its leadership as we know it."
At the same time, he explained, "I found it difficult to support alternative parties, as I cannot ignore the credit that the Justice and Development Party and its government bear toward Arabs and Muslims, especially with regard to its policies in support of refugees and its facilitations for foreigners, in addition to its previously prominent positions in international politics."
Ahmed Karaca presents a different point of view, stressing that it is unreasonable for naturalized Arab citizens to refrain from participating in local elections, which mainly aim to organize the administration of public services and improve daily life, based on their position on the country’s foreign policy.
The importance of organizing the Arabs
Karaca believes that objections to foreign policy should be expressed by votes in the presidential elections, and not by absenteeism from local elections.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with the refusal of some naturalized Arabs to participate in the elections, which helps the opposition control the municipalities of major cities, which threatens to deport Arab refugees and residents if it comes to power, calling for the importance of organizing the Arab presence within Turkish political life through the establishment of parties and institutions. She is active and takes the issues of naturalized citizens and foreign residents as the focus of her work.
He added, "Today, we voted for the Justice and Development Party candidate in Istanbul, driven by our conviction that he is the ideal candidate to confront and resolve the various crises facing the city, such as transportation issues and the necessary preparations to deal with the expected earthquake. Our decision came free of any side considerations."
Karaca also describes the Turkish government's position regarding developments in Gaza as below the required level, appreciating at the same time the Turkish popular calls to take more decisive and effective measures, including the urgent need to sever trade relations with Israel, which puts pressure on decision-makers.
Source: Al Jazeera