The Islamic State is the prime suspect in the investigations into the suicide bombings in Ankara that killed 97 people are an attempt to overshadow the upcoming parliamentary elections, said on October 12 PM Ahmet Davutoglu whose government has been accused by critics of failing to protect its citizens.

Twin suicide bombings on Saturday in the country’s capital ripped through a peace rally organised by the leftist unions and pro-Kurdish protesters also left hundreds of people wounded, some in still critical condition, plunging the country into a deeper political turmoil. Anger towards the government intensified amid the massacre with anti-government demonstrations held in several cities, including Ankara and Istanbul over the weekend.

Forensic experts are close to identify the perpetrators, said Davutoglu in a televised interview on October 12. The Ankara attacks were meant to influence the outcome of the upcoming elections, said the prime minister, adding that if security failures are found necessary steps will be taken.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the main opposition People’ Republican Party (CHP) held a meeting with Davutoglu on Sunday and he asked the prime minister to dismiss the interior minister and justice minister for negligence. But, Davutoglu did not indicate whether he consider dismissing the ministers.

Meanwhile, the main Kurdish party HDP is discussing whether to cancel public meetings until elections due to security concerns, the party’s spokesperson told Reuters on October 12. HDP was targeted in the Ankara attack. Selahattin Demirtas, co-chair of the HDP, on Sunday has put the death toll from the suicide bombings at 128, well above the official count of 97. The Kurdish party plans to hold public rallies in 10 major cities and public meetings in 20 towns.