Tensions were high in the Conservative-leaning city of Erzurum ahead of the June 7 general election in Turkey.<br /><br /> Riot police stepped in as ultra-nationalist Turks took to the streets of the eastern city in an attempt to thwart a pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party rally.<br /><br /> Water cannon and tear gas were used to dispel protesters, and police blocked the road.<br /><br /> It is not the first time the People’s Democratic Party – known as the HDP – has come under attack during the election campaign. In the run-up to election day, the party has been subjected to bomb blasts, gunfire and several assaults. <br /><br /> But, support for the HDP is increasing, with some analysts forecasting it will gain enough seats to strip the ruling AK Party of a majority. <br /><br /> Its origins in Kurdish nationalism mean the HDP has historically been treated with suspicion. Critics of the party claim it is linked to the Kurdish nationalist PKK Party – the Kurdistan Workers Party. The PKK is thirty years into a revolt against the s
