Bülent Ecevit's Democratic Left Party (DSP) had been soaring in popularity after the capture of Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan, emerged as the biggest party and swept the board in most of Turkey's western provinces. It failed, however, to obtain an overall majority, and did not do nearly as well in the eastern provinces.
Bülent Ecevit's Democratic Left Party (DSP) gained significant traction after the capture of Abdullah Öcalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), emerged as the most popular party and dominated most of Turkey's western provinces. It failed to secure a majority nationwide and performed poorly in eastern provinces.