The Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) has handed over its long-awaited draft for a parliamentary commission as part of the peace and democratization process in Turkey to Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş. The aim is to place the political solution process for the Kurdish question on a broader, institutional basis.

'The commission should become operational as soon as possible'

The draft was handed over on Tuesday afternoon by deputy group chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit and parliamentary secretary Saliha Aydeniz. In a subsequent press statement, Kılıç Koçyiğit emphasized the urgency of forming the commission, saying: “We have submitted our proposals both verbally and in writing. In our view, it is crucial that this commission is established and becomes operational as soon as possible.”

Call for a legal basis and plurality

The DEM Party advocates establishing the commission by law and giving it a broad, pluralistic mandate. At the heart of the proposal is a structure with 35 to 40 members, including representatives of parties without parliamentary group status. According to the party, the commission should ensure democratically legitimate decision-making processes, be legally secure, and be open to civil society actors.

Democratic decision-making mechanisms

“We need a platform that also listens to civil society voices such as foundations, women's organizations, professional associations, academics, and experts from various disciplines. A commission that relies on democratic decision-making mechanisms is essential to provide constructive legal impetus for the peace process,” said Kılıç Koçyiğit.

Consensus in the making – follow-up talks expected

According to Kılıç Koçyiğit, Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş will now review the proposals submitted by the parties. Another meeting is possible to work out details like the exact makeup and how the commission will work. The MP thinks it's likely that they'll agree on a strong, cross-party commission.

Aiming for social anchoring

The DEM Party emphasizes that the commission's work should not be limited to parliament. The goal is to link the process to social participation and place responsibility for peace and democratization on a broad footing: “We want the opposition to be able to play an effective role as well. This requires appropriate political mechanisms.”

Initiative by Abdullah Öcalan

The commission is intended to be part of a broader political dialogue process initiated by PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan. In February, Öcalan issued a call for peace and democratic society and proposed a new phase of political settlement for the Kurdish question. The coming period will be decisive for the continuation of the dialogue between the state and the Kurdish movement. In the coming days, the PKK could begin laying down its arms.