Iran Votes, but Not for Reformers
Posted on March 14, 2008 - Filed Under Elections, Iran |
Today is election day in Iran. When polls opened, the state-controlled radio proudly declared: “Today, the Iranian nation once again will show its political maturity.”
There’s only one problem with that claim. Iran is barring reform candidates from running. The rest of the field is large, with around 4,500 people seeking to fill the 290 seats in Iran’s parliament. Prior to the vote, the Guardian Council, mad up mostly of clerics and judges, prevented almost 2,000 people from running based on the notion that they weren’t loyal to Islam or the revolution.
This leaves the Iranian people with a choice between the ultra hard lines and the hard lines - not much of a difference - since the candidates were approved by the conservative and anti-west Guardian Council. Many young people in Iran, particularly in Tehran are interested in reform, however there are few options for them in this election. Polling stations near universities were largely empty, while turnout is reported as high in other parts of the country.
“Many students and activists have been under pressure because of their political activities,” said Reza Kolahroudi, a 22-year-student who showed up to vote for reformists. “I hope reformists can change the current situation.”
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