Substitute for DEHAP in the Works

The closing of the People’s Labor Party (HEP), the Democracy Party (DEP), the Freedom and Democracy Party (OZDEP) and HADEP on grounds that they were extensions of the terrorist organization Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the filing of yet another suit against HADEP speeded up foundation activities for the sixth party, which will run on the same party line. Early reports indicate that the words "democracy," "people" and "freedom" will be part of the new party’s name, although the Democratic Equality Party (DEP) is rumored to be a strong contender. The name of Ahmet Turan Demir, leader of the now defunct HADEP, is being mentioned as head of the new party.

Habib Guler / Ankara / TURKEY