Türkische Bund in Berlin-Brandenburg (TBB), one of the important civil society organizations of the Turkish community in Germany, announced that it will launch a comprehensive campaign to increase democratic participation ahead of the elections to be held in autumn 2026.

TBB, as in past election periods, will particularly encourage citizens with a migration background to go to the polls before the Berlin State Parliament (Abgeordnetenhaus) and district council elections.

Berlin Elections Set for September 20, 2026

Along with the elections for the 20th Legislative Period of the State Parliament in Berlin, elections for 12 district councils (Bezirksverordnetenversammlungen) will be held on September 20, 2026.

TBB, in a statement released with the start of the election campaign, called on citizens to exercise their democratic rights in the face of current political developments in Germany and Berlin.

TBB will conduct information campaigns specifically with the aim of increasing the participation rate of Berliners of immigrant origin in the elections.

TBB Calls for Democratic Participation in Berlin Elections
Ayşe Demir

Vote Democratically, Even If Dissatisfied

TBB Management Spokesperson Ayşe Demir stated that they would communicate directly with citizens on the streets of Berlin as part of their election efforts, and said the following:

“Again, we will 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. Even if they are not satisfied with the current policies of democratic parties, it is of great importance that our citizens vote democratically.”

Election Analyses to Address Immigrant Community Issues

TBB also prepared election questionnaires (Wahlprüfsteine) regarding issues closely concerning immigrant communities.

It was announced that the answers to these questions sent to the parties would be shared transparently with the public. TBB aims to contribute to voters making informed decisions without endorsing any particular party.

figure class="wp-block-image" data-align="center" style="text-align: center;">TBB Calls for Democratic Participation in Berlin Elections
Ayşe Demir
<

Joint Election Panel with Alevi Community to Be Held

TBB, as part of its election efforts, will organize an election panel together with the Alevi Community of Berlin (Alevitische Gemeinde zu Berlin) on August 31, 2026.

At the panel, which will be attended by the parties' chancellor candidates or top-list candidates, Berlin's future and the expectations of immigrant communities will be discussed.

In addition to this, information meetings regarding the elections will be held in organizations affiliated with TBB and within different immigrant communities.

TBB Closely Monitoring Other State Elections

TBB draws attention not only to the Berlin elections but also to other elections to be held in the eastern and northern states of Germany.

The following elections will be held in Germany in autumn 2026:

  1. September 6, 2026: Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament elections
  2. September 13, 2026: Lower Saxony local elections
  3. September 20, 2026: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Parliament elections
    TBB Calls for Democratic Participation in Berlin Elections

Far-Right's Rise Poses 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 the possibility of the AfD, classified as far-right, becoming a government partner has come to the fore in Saxony-Anhalt, and that the party appears to be leading in public opinion polls in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

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 Strengthened by Citizen Participation

At the end of its statement, TBB called on all democratic forces for a common struggle.

The organization stated, “Democracy thrives with the active participation of citizens and high voter turnout. We call on all democratic forces to act together to prevent the rise of the far right.”