Stirrings of electoral politics in Iran
The process begins in Iran.Candidates Sign Up For Iran's March Election
"Candidates began registering on Saturday for Iran's parliamentary election in March, which will pit conservatives who now dominate the assembly against moderates seeking a comeback...
"Voting will take place on March 14...
"The result will have no direct effect on policies such as Iran's nuclear plans, which are ultimately determined by Supreme Leader...
"Parliament is now dominated by the conservative Abadgaran faction, which broadly backed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's successful presidential bid in 2005...
"Reformists seeking social and political change who were trounced in the last election four years ago are seeking to make gains, as are more moderate conservatives also critical of Ahmadinejad's policies...
"Hopefuls must fill in a four-page application on an Interior Ministry Web site before going to the governor's office to complete the process, Iranian media reported.
"Registration is due to last a week after which the clergy-based Guardian Council will start screening applicants for their political and religious qualifications...
"The final list of approved candidates will be announced on March 5. Candidates will then have one week to campaign."
posted by Ken Wedding @ 8:03 AM
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Ahmadinejad's popularity on test
"About 600 candidates registered their names on Saturday for the elections, which is seen as a referendum on the rule of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president...
"However, there are few signs that an election is approaching. Reason: the government has banned candidates from using print material for their advertisements to prevent what it calls 'enormous waste'...
"Mehdi Karroubi, leader of National Trust, a reformist party, told Al Jazeera: 'This is not just an ordinary election for the people. They have grown sensitive about the matter and they demand a change in the parliament composition.'
But the conservatives, who dominate the current parliament, have given Ahmadinejad full support despite his refusal to consult leaders in parliament before announcing major decisions, such as the appointment of ministers...
"It is unlikely, however, that the next parliament will provide a challenge to Ahmadinejad.
"The Guardian Council, a constitutional watchdog, will begin screening candidates in a week, raising fears there will be a replay of the 2004 legislative elections when the committee barred thousands of reformists from running.
"The mass disqualification allowed the conservatives to regain control of the 290-seat parliament in a vote the reformists denounced as a 'historical fiasco'..."
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