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The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP)’s anthem against the Turkish referendum, Bejin Na (Eng: Say No), was recently banned in the Şırnak province for inciting hatred and public unrest in violation of Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code.
The referendum, which is set to take place on 16 April, would authorise changes to the Turkish constitution to increase the power of the president. If approved, the role of prime minister would be abolished and the power of the parliament diminished.
The president would then become the head of state with the power to appoint all cabinet ministers and two-thirds of the country’s most senior judges. The president would also be able to create laws by decree, dismiss parliament and declare a state of emergency. Supporters, which include current president Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling AKP party believe that these changes would ultimately make Turkey a more decisive country and better protect against threats of terrorism and insurgency. Opposition groups, including the HDP and the Republican People’s Party, are concerned that the changes would be authoritarian as they would put too much unchecked power in the hands of the president.
Public opinion polls suggest that the vote will be very close because there are many undecided voters, however, the opposition groups believe that there has been unfair media coverage against their cause.
And English translation of the lyrics to Bejin Na can be found below:
Say No
For the hope of the children, say “No”
Against fragmentation, say “No”
For a democratic nation, say “No”
Women, youth, the elder, all say “No”
No to a single flag
No to a single nation
No to a single language
For the revenge of Women, say “No”
For bright days, say “No”
For the promise we made to our cause, say “No”
It doesn’t work alone, say all together “no”
No to a single flag
No to a single nation
No to a single language
For thousand of years, dreams, say “No”
For the peace of all people, say “No”
Spread the word, all together , say “No”
No to a single flag
No to a single nation
No to a single language
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