HDP Co-president Selahattin Demirtaş spoke at an election rally in Istanbul's Kazlıçeşme district, criticising the government for polarising Turkey prior to the elections.

Demirtaş was accompanied by his wife, Başak, and was welcomed by slogans such as "President Selo" and  "HDP, we're going to parliament."

'We are preparing for the elections at an historic crossroads'

Demirtaş said: "This election it is not just a question of whether the HDP exceeds the threshold, but whether a peaceful environment can be created where we do not fear each other and do not fear the state." 

Demirtaş added that the HDP had made a pluralist democracy feasible, and that all colours were present at Kazlıçeşme. "We will take ownership of each other's way of life and build a pluralist democracy. We want to be the ointment that heals the wounds in our country. HDP is the name of this ointment."

He added that the HDP's succeeding in entering parliament would be a guarantee of peace in the Middle East, "At a time when ISIS barbarism is threatening all humanity, if we are in parliament we will be in a position to run the country. We will demolish the threshold and open the way to other parties. Parliament will be a colourful flower garden. The existence of the HDP means roses will bloom in parliament." 

He continued, saying that if the HDP entered parliament the voice of women would be heard loud and clear.

Demirtaş said that the AKP was making propaganda everywhere, saying: "Don't vote for the HDP," adding that the only way to stop the AKP was to vote for the HDP.

He said that on 8 June they would be the neighbours and friends of those who had voted for other parties and that they did not want conflict. 

He appealed to young people to vote for the party to enable it to work for them, and called on people living abroad to cast their votes for the part if they have not yet voted.

Demirtaş continued, saying that he would be a deputy in Istanbul, and that the HDP would ensure Turkey progressed. "We will protect the environment as we effect this change. Support those who have sensible projects, not those who have crazy projects, and save Istanbul. If Istanbul is ready, so is Turkey."

Demirtaş said that with only a week to go HDP party workers had to continue campaigning so that the windows of the Presidential palace shook. He also called on voters to ensure the security of the ballot boxes.