Recommendations to the Opposition Bloc
An asymmetric and overly fragmented view of the Turkish political race should be balanced in a way that democratic representation can fairly come into being. MAZ Corporate has identified tactical errors in the moves of “The Table of Six.”
Behaviorally and visually, quick aggregation after artificial or real divergences within the bloc is a key misstep. Problems are resolved too quickly, and images of unity appear hurried. Meanwhile, Erdogan remains silent and waits. These rapid reconciliations, shocking meetings, and swift demonstrations of unity create a perception of insecurity among voters. Appearing united doesn’t always yield the desired results. Nuances are highly critical for those who pay close attention.
Therefore, the Opposition Bloc, “The Table of Six,” should proceed calmly, coming together gradually over several days. They should strategize carefully, avoid hasty actions, and speak less. The momentum of unity should build gradually, peaking in the final days of the campaign.
Stop talking about Erdogan and his party, AKP. Whether negative or positive, avoid campaigning for him indirectly. Stop mimicking his techniques. Avoid agitating pious Turkish citizens and alienating Kurdish voters. Abandon the same strategies that have been used for 20 years, such as the narrative that “AKP is being divided from within.” This approach has proven ineffective and tiresome. Turkish people are indifferent to repetitive arguments and do not value such outdated tactics. Instead, creativity is crucial.
In the eyes of Turkish voters, Kılıçdaroğlu’s charisma is notably low despite his stance on Gandhian justice. Anthropologically, Turkish people favor displays of power over just leadership. His personal vote share likely does not exceed 15%, significantly less than his party CHP, which represents 25% of Turkey’s population. Therefore, copying Erdogan’s leadership style with slogans like “benim halkım (my people)” or “benim milletim (my nation)” is neither effective nor efficient. Recognizing this, Kılıçdaroğlu emphasized “aday ben değilim, aday millet (the candidate is not me, but the nation)” in his candidacy speech. However, this approach remains weak. The bloc should focus on amplifying his influence despite his low-profile charisma.
MAZ Corporate recommends shifting the narrative from just leadership to “change to eliminate corruption and fear.” This strategy allows voters to focus their emotions and decisions on “GET RID OF” rather than “MECBUR VERİYORUZ” (we support Kılıçdaroğlu because there’s no alternative).
Stop reiterating plans for system change. Avoid wasting time on topics that fail to resonate with the majority of voters. Many in the uneducated population are disinterested in high-level agendas. The bloc still lacks compelling slogans. It is essential to craft messages that address people’s daily struggles and pain points.
For example: Bıktık Artık Ya! (We are tired of ya!) Peynir 200 lira, Cehenneme Git! (Cheese is 200 TL, Go to Hell!) Hak Yiyenler Mezara! (Unfairs to the grave!) Al! Al! Al! Al! Al! Al! Al! (Take it, Take it, Take it, Take it, Take it) Pazar Günü Mülakat Var! (Sunday Interview!) Üzgünüm Recep! (Sorry Recep!) Yazıklar Olsun! (Shame on you!) Kiracı artık Erdoğan! (The tenant is now Erdoğan!) Nereye Bilal?! (Where are you going Bilal?) Çile Bitiyor! (Ordeal is over!) Sabret Türkiye! (Patience, Turkiye!) Kurtuluyoruz! (We are getting rid!) Hadi Hayırlı Olsun! (May it bring good luck!)
MAZ Corporate’s last and the most critical recommendation: Especially in the last days of the campaign, the Bloc should heat up the race more and more. Should keep attacking non-stop and never backlash until the day of silence. Good Luck.
MAZ Corporate Consulting Services,
Muhammet Ali Zurnaci, March 11, 2023, Istanbul.