Attacks Against Political Parties During the Electioneering Period The right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are two of the most important criteria for political parties and independent candidates to ensure democratic elections. According to these criteria, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that all parties and candidates are afforded protection during their electioneering, that their buildings are protected and campaign activities are held in a safe environment. The IEOP has observed and reported all Parliamentary elections since 2011. Our observations show that attacks against political parties and candidates during the electioneering period have increased in every election. Racism has started to become more prevalent in the attacks against political parties and candidates. According to our findings, since the start of the November 1st election calendar (on August 31st) there have been 134 attacks against political parties buildings and campaigns. The HDP was subjects to 123 attacks, the AKP, 8 attacks and the CHP, 3 attacks. 100 of the attacks against political parties took place on 7-9 September. The attacks covering the period of September 7-9 turned into mass racist assaults in Kırşehir, Ankara Beypazarı district and Balıkesir Edremit district. After the attack against the Peace Rally on October 10th, the HDP cancelled its rallies open to mass participation. The fact that only speakers from the AKP were given air time on channels under the National Broadcasting Authority (TRT), and that only Prime Minister A. Davutoğlu was invited to a TV program as a political party leader, and the differences in the time allocated to political parties and their leaders on channels under the TRT led created a campaign environment marked by inequality. Election Materials One of the most fundamental factors impacting the right to vote is the extent to which the material and methods used in the elections are suitable for all voter groups. This includes employing practical and accessible solutions for those voters who have to vote under different conditions. A common problem across all elections is that the ballots are not suitable for the blind. The SBE has not taken any steps in this regard. The current design of the ballots create inequality for independent candidates. Independent candidates appear on the ballots only with their names. They are not allowed to use a photograph or an emblem. This causes problems for illiterate voters who cannot distinguish the names of candidates. Since 2011, our platform has been repeatedly recommending the use of photographs by independent candidates to be allowed. The sign posts used in polling stations to direct voters are not suitable for blind and illiterate voters. There should be an official to direct voters to their respective ballot boxes at each polling station. In regions where the mother tongues of the majority of voters are different, this service should also be given in languages used in the region.