Two parties in his opposition bloc Turkey said they would support talks with the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) to secure their support for a single opposition alliance candidate against the president. Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the May elections, despite fears that this would alienate voters from the nationalist parties.

An alliance of six opposition parties of very different origins nominated him. Kemal Kilicdarogluleader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), as the general candidate this week.

But a first-round victory, which requires more than 50% of the vote, is unlikely without the support of the HDP, which is widely seen as a key player in an election that could end two decades of Erdogan’s rule.

Polls predict a tough fight for both the presidency and parliament.

HDP leader Mithat Sandsar on Monday called for talks with the bloc on “principles” that could pave the way for the party to support Kılıçdaroğlu.

A senior party official for the opposition alliance told Reuters on Tuesday that support for the HDP could alienate voters from the nationalist IYI party and the Islamist Saadet (Party of Happiness) party.

However, Happiness Party spokesman Birol Aydın told Haberturk TV that Kılıçdaroğlu should negotiate with the HDP.

Good Party (IYI) leader Meral Aksener said she would not object to other parties starting a dialogue with the HDP, but would not participate in the discussions herself.

Two other parties in the opposition alliance, the DEVA Party and the Future Party, would also welcome talks with the HDP, sources told Reuters.

The HDP said it would nominate its candidate in the elections along with another alliance of left-wing and pro-Kurdish parties, but is now reviewing that decision.

The Constitutional Court is considering an appeal against the HDP over its alleged ties to Kurdish rebels, which the pro-Kurdish party denies and is under threat of a ban.

Analysts say Erdogan is likely to tout these alleged connections and the HDP’s opposition role during the campaign.

^{Source: APE-MEB, Reuters}