The Impact of Suicide Attacks on Voting Behavior: The Case of November 2015 Early Elections

Abstract

Terror aims to disrupt peace and security of countries. Suicide attack is a form of terrorism is carried out in many parts of the world today. These attacks aiming at destroying countries and citizens, and targeting civilians or state institutions, have been the current agenda in Turkey with cases such as Suruc Attack and Ankara Railway Station Attack following the June 7, 2015, elections and the Syrian Civil War. These attacks, which deeply affect the citizens and harm the country, can also have an impact on political behaviors such as social practices. Individuals, as voters, may vote under the influence of political and social events. In this study, effects of suicide attacks in Turkey on voting behavior were demonstrated by means of a reception analysis on the example of the Ankara Train Station Attack (October 10, 2015). In this regard, this study analyzes the effects of suicide attacks in Turkey on voting behavior for the November 1, 2015, early elections by carrying out an ethnographic research methodology. As the conclusion of the study, the individuals were observed to be aware of the fact that the real purpose of terrorism was to scare and harm. The participants supported the government in case of the suicide attacks and other terrorist attacks. The majority of the participants believed that the suicide attack, which took place in the train station intersection in Ankara, would have no effect on the behaviors of the voters for the Early Elections of November 1, 2015.