Reformists barred from Iran polls

international | politics / elections | other press Wednesday January 30, 2008 15:53 by pat c

Democracy Iranian style: you are not allowed to stand for election if the Iranian Regime doesnt like your opinions! Under the Iranian political system, potential candidates are vetted twice, once by the interior ministry and the second time by the Guardian Council, which is made up of Islamic clerics. Full report at the link from the well known Pro US Propagandists Al Jazeera.

The Iranian government has barred more than 2,000 prospective candidates from contesting in forthcoming parliamentary elections, in effect removing the biggest rival to hardliners in power.

Most of those disqualified were seeking democratic changes within Iran's ruling Islamic government led by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the president.

Abdollah Naseri, spokesman for an umbrella group of 21 reformist factions, said worrying reports have been confirmed. "The number of candidates disqualified is surprising."

Mohammad Khatami, the former Iranian president and reformist, said the government had no right to deprive Iranians the right to contest. Many of those disqualified were key legislators or cabinet ministers during Khatami's tenure.