As the June 24 presidential and parliamentary elections of Turkey approach, more people from various ethnic groups are voicing support for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and its presidential candidate Selahattin Demirtaş.

Armenian women living in Istanbul spoke to Jin News about why they support the HDP.

Sultan Mıhçı, a teacher at a school for Armenian children, put emphasis on the importance of equality, saying; “Fort his reason, my heart sides with the HDP. First of all, there is an education problem for the Armenians. I want that our children are educated with our own education system in our schools. I want equal citizenship. I believe that only the HDP mentality can ensure this.”

Mıhçı called on everyone to cast their votes for the HDP and protect the ballot boxes on the election day.

Sona Sadetyan also sides with peace and freedom and said this is why she supports the HDP and its presidential candidate as they base their efforts on these principles. “We, Armenians, have suffered a lot in this country. I believe that HDP will be our voice in the parliament.”

Another Armenian woman, Gülizar Laçin, also said she supports the HDP, adding; “I believe that HDP is very important for the peoples. I can find myself and other different cultures in the HDP. That is why I support the HDP.”