BY ERDAL SAFAK
SABAH- The headline of an article on the last local elections, held in March 2004, was 'Opposition wanted.' Five years later, the results of yesterday's local elections ended this search, because three opposition parties emerged from the ballot box, namely, the Republican People's Party (CHP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and the Democratic Society Party (DTP). In other words, four parties which have groups in Parliament shut out the parties which aren't in Parliament.
But looking at the distribution of mayors on a map of Turkey, we see a picture that should be taken seriously: The ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party is either losing or falling behind in such important provinces as Manisa, Usak and Balikesir. Voters are making the AK Party pay for the economic crisis. Central Anatolia is shared by the AK Party and the MHP. Again, the CHP had no presence in eastern Anatolia, and nearly all of southeastern Anatolia has moved to the DTP. The AK Party's loss of Van, which it values greatly, was a real eye-opener.
The cards will be reshuffled. This picture shows that Turkey might face new political blocs in the months and years to come. This situation might end up positive or negative. On the positive side, political consensus became more important and even indispensable in preparations for imminent changes to our constitution. Of course, the AKP won't bring a package of constitutional changes to Parliament without getting a broad consensus. But there were rumors in Ankara before yesterday's elections that a minimal consensus might be seen as sufficient. As for the negative impact of the formation of political blocs, public attention will be attracted particularly to southeastern Anatolia.
The DTP turned these elections into a referendum on recognizing Kurdish identity and the rights of Kurds. The outcome shows that it was successful. This success puts the DTP in an important position and strengthens the hands of those who argue that a solution is impossible without the DTP. This achievement also increases the importance of the DTP at the Kurdish conference set to be held in Erbil at the end of next month or at the beginning of May. In addition, it would be meaningless to say this in a roundabout way: this situation also increases the importance of the terrorist PKK. Following the elections, the cards will be reshuffled, particularly in southeastern Anatolia.