Armenians have been included on electoral party lists in Turkey: ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) – Melkon Karakiose, Tatios Bebek, Margar Yesayan, Jerry Khrimyan and Petros Shirinoglu; main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) – Arev Jebej; opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) – Gegham Karapetyan.

The leadership of pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy party considers nomination of Hayko Baghdad, a representative of the Armenian community of Istanbul.

“If members of the Armenian community and parties reach an agreement, there is a great possibility that Armenians will join the Turkish parliament after a 45-year break,” Zaman reported.

23 non-Muslims, including 8 Jews, 8 Greeks, 6 Armenians and one Turk-protestant, were elected to the Turkish parliament during the entire period of the Turkish Republic’s existence.

The elections to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) are due June 12, 2011.