In fact, the AKP’s referendum strategy is based on huge hypocrisy concerning the Kurdish issue, as it needs the votes of both Turkish nationalists and Kurds. On one hand, the AKP adopts a very nationalistic and militaristic discourse to appeal to nationalists, while on the other it tries to ensure Kurds that this coalition with the nationalists is a temporary referendum tactic. That explains why the AKP’s Kurdish-origin officials have kept silent on the controversy over the Kurdish flag, despite the fact that most of the AKP’s Kurdish politicians are pro-Barzani and supporters of the KRG.