Turkey's Kurds eye kingmaker role in election against Erdogan

FILE PHOTO: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech after signing the election decision in Ankara, Turkey March 10, 2023. Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (Reuters) - Kurds who have long felt sidelined in Turkish politics could have a decisive role in a closely fought May election that will determine whether President Tayyip Erdogan extends his rule after more than two decades in power.

With polls showing support finely balanced between Erdogan's ruling alliance and the opposition, the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) is a potential kingmaker, although a court bid to ban it may mean it has to reform under a new party umbrella.