One of the important civil society organizations of the Turkish community in Germany, Türkische Bund in Berlin-Brandenburg (TBB), announced that it will launch a comprehensive campaign to increase democratic participation ahead of the elections to be held in autumn 2026.
As in previous election periods, TBB will encourage citizens, especially those with a migration background, to go to the polls ahead of the Berlin State Parliament (Abgeordnetenhaus) and district council elections.
Berlin elections to be held on September 20, 2026
In Berlin, the elections for the 20th Legislative Period of the State Parliament, along with the elections for 12 district councils (Bezirksverordnetenversammlungen), will be held on September 20, 2026.
Making a statement with the start of the election campaign, TBB called on citizens to exercise their democratic rights in the face of current political developments in Germany and Berlin.
TBB will conduct information campaigns, especially with the aim of increasing the participation rate of Berliners with a migration background in the elections.
“Vote democratically even if you are not satisfied”
TBB Management Spokesperson Ayşe Demir, stated that they will communicate directly with citizens on the streets of Berlin as part of the election campaign, and said:
“We will again be on the ground in Berlin with our postcards. We will meet with Berliners, inform them about the upcoming elections, and encourage them to exercise their right to vote. It is of great importance that our citizens vote democratically, even if they are not satisfied with the current policies of democratic parties.”
Election analyses to be prepared for issues of migrant communities
TBB also prepared election questionnaires (Wahlprüfsteine) regarding issues of close concern to migrant communities.
It was announced that the answers to these questions, sent to the parties, will be shared transparently with the public. TBB aims to contribute to voters making informed decisions without endorsing any particular party.
Joint election panel to be organized with Alevi Community
As part of its election activities, TBB will organize an election panel on August 31, 2026, together with the Berlin Alevi Community (Alevitische Gemeinde zu Berlin).
At the panel, which will be attended by the parties' prime ministerial candidates or top-list candidates, Berlin's future and the expectations of migrant communities will be discussed.
In addition, information meetings regarding the elections will be held in organizations affiliated with TBB and within various migrant communities.
TBB also closely monitors other state elections
TBB draws attention not only to the Berlin elections but also to other elections to be held in Germany's eastern and northern states.
The following elections will be held in Germany in autumn 2026:
- September 6, 2026: Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament elections
- September 13, 2026: Lower Saxony local elections
- September 20, 2026: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Parliament elections
“Rise of the far-right is a threat to democracy”
TBB Management Spokesperson Ayşe Demir stated that they are particularly concerned about the political developments in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Demir stated that in Saxony-Anhalt, the possibility of the AfD, classified as far-right, becoming a government partner has come to the fore, while in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the party appears to be leading in public opinion polls.
According to TBB, AfD's election programs contain elements that question the fundamental principles of the democratic order and target the existing democratic system.
“Democracy is strengthened by citizen participation”
At the end of its statement, TBB called on all democratic forces to unite in the struggle.
The organization conveyed the message, “Democracy thrives with active citizen participation and high voter turnout. We call on all democratic forces to act together to prevent the far-right from gaining strength.”
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