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Iran
At stake: President
Background
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Iran became an Islamic Republic after the monarchy was abolished in 1979. The Ayatollah Khomeini commanded a group of Muslim clerics who controlled the country for the next decade. Just months into the new regime, militants took 52 hostages inside the American Embassy in Tehran, demanding the extradition of the exiled Shah, who had been in the United States for medical treatment. The crisis played out in the international press, and had a profound effect in the 1980 United States presidential race.
The next eight years saw Iran involved in a devastating conflict with Iraq after a border dispute. The war left close to 1 million dead on both sides.
In April 2000, the political landscape changed once more, as a coalition of reformist lawmakers emerged victorious after the parliamentary elections with 189 seats. President Mohammad Khatami—first elected in 1997—was rewarded with a new term in 2001.
The reforms proposed by Khatami made him increasingly popular with younger Iranians, an important fact in a country where voters can head to the polls at the age of 16. Still, the country's true head of state—the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—and the Council of Guardians did not always agree with the president's views on Islamic traditions. Iran's unemployment rate in early 2004—close to 20 per cent according to official estimates—was also a cause for concern.
After being branded as part of an "axis of evil" by U.S. president George W. Bush in January 2002, Iran has contended that its nuclear program aims to produce energy, not weapons.
In 2004, Iranian voters renewed the Islamic Consultative Assembly in an election marred by the banning of several candidates by the Council of Guardians.
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2005 Presidential Election
On Jan. 1, the Council of Guardians announced that the presidential election would take place on Jun. 17. Mohammad Khatami is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term in office.
The Council of Guardians must approve every single presidential candidate. In October 2004, the Council interpreted the Constitution to conclude that women cannot run for president in Iran.
The country's political scene remains divided between conservatives and reformists. The conservatives embody a series of different interests, and encompass both a traditionalist faction—which includes clerics—and younger lawmakers recently elected to the Assembly.
In a poll conducted in January by Iran's Opinion Poll Center and published in Keyhan, 73.5 per cent of respondents said they intended to cast ballots in the election.
In his Feb. 2 State of the Union address, U.S. president George W. Bush said Iran "remains the world's primary state sponsor of terror—pursuing nuclear weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve." The American president said his government is "working with European allies to make clear to the Iranian regime that it must give up its uranium enrichment program and any plutonium re-processing, and end its support for terror. And to the Iranian people, I say tonight: As you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you."
On Feb. 3, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Bush's comments, saying, "Bush is the fifth U.S. president to want to uproot the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic," adding that the country is "being attacked by the global tyrants."
On Apr. 30, foreign minister Khamal Kharrazi said the outcome of the presidential election would not alter Iran's nuclear program, declaring, "Uranium enrichment (is) a matter of national pride."
On May 10, former president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani officially joined the presidential race, declaring, "Running in the election has been one of the most difficult decisions in all my years of political activity." Rafsanjani declared he aims to protect the state from "extremist tendencies."
Also on May 10, current president Khatami urged for a high turnout, saying, "Our concern now is that, God willing, free, competitive, and enthusiastic elections will be held, and that our people and the government will follow the right path that the revolution has set by going to the polls and voting for a president who can defend Iran's dignity, greatness, and development."
On May 14, nominations closed with a record 1,010 people registering to run as presidential contenders. While the list includes 89 women, the Council of Guardians has already said they will be banned. In the May 2001 election, 814 people filed petitions but only 10 were allowed to run by the Council of Guardians.
Iran's constitution establishes that every presidential candidate must be "a resourceful manager with an unblemished past" who "believes in the values and principles of the Islamic Republic."
On May 22, the Council of Guardians released the final list of candidates with just six names: Rafsanjani, Tehran mayor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former police chief Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former parliamentary speaker Mehdi Karrubi, former state media director Ali Larijani, and Expediency Council secretary Mohsen Rezai.
On May 23, Khamenei asked the Council of Guardians to review the applications of former science minister Mostafa Moin and vice-president for physical training Mohsen Mehr Alizade, saying, "It is desired that all people in the country from different political interests have the opportunity to take part in the big test of the elections."
On May 24, the Council of Guardians added Moin and Mehr Alizade to the final list of contenders.
On May 26, Karrubi ruled out withdrawing from the race, saying, "The reform movement does not belong to (current president Mohammad) Khatami or me; it has rather stemmed from our culture, constitution, drive for democracy, freedom of thought and the very foundations of the Islamic Revolution."
On May 27, Rafsanjani urged for a better coordination of government branches, saying, "I'm working for a politically strong parliament, believing that a chaotic parliament in which political disputes erupt too often is an obstacle to the country's development."
On Jun. 1, Rafsanjani expressed his wish to end Iran's long-standing diplomatic rift with the U.S., saying, "If they make a positive sign, I am one of those who believes that we need to sort out this problem. They need to deal with us as equals and renounce their animosity."
On Jun. 5, Khamenei urged Iranians to participate in the ballot, saying, "I advise all brothers and sisters to keep the election warm and healthy. It is a person's divine right and duty to determine their fate."
On Jun. 6, Rafsanjani vowed to protect freedoms, saying, "If the press corps abide by the rule of law, I will be committed to defend their rights. It is also crucial to improve the socioeconomic conditions of the people of pen and ensure their job security within the framework of law. This way freedom of expression will be consolidated."
On Jun. 7, Moin pledged to form an inclusive government, saying, "I will use the services of all ethnic minorities (and) will also have women in the cabinet. Women's rights have been neglected despite the fact that they constitute almost 50 per cent of the population." Qalibaf expressed that his main concern is improving living conditions, saying, "People's purchasing power must have a significance in the economic manifestos presented by all candidates."
On Jun. 8, Rezai urged for reform, saying, "We need a management overhaul so that the next government would be more efficient. High prices of goods and services, unemployment, corruption and discrimination are more than enough to prove that the present government is weak."
On Jun. 11, former deputy parliament speaker Behzad Nabavi was attacked in Qom during a rally in support of Moin. Nabavi hinted at the involvement of hardliners, saying, "Apparently in recent days there is an order from certain centres of power for organized physical confrontation with Moin's campaign meetings."
On Jun. 12, four bomb blasts in the city of Ahwaz killed at least five people and injured 89 others. The explosions occurred in the vicinity of government offices. Another bomb killed one person in Tehran.
An Islamic Republic News Agency poll released in early June put Rafsanjani in first place with 27.1 per cent, followed by Moin with 18.9 per cent, Qalibaf with 16.5 per cent, and Karrubi with 10.8 per cent.
On Jun. 13, Moin vowed to devote special attention to "intellectuals, ethnic and religious groups, and women" if he is elected, saying, "If I win the presidential vote, women will turn from advisors to deputy ministers."
A poll released by the Fars News Agency gave Rafsanjani the support of 22.27 per cent of respondents, followed by Qalibaf with 20.08 per cent, Ahmadinejad with 15.53 per cent, and Moin with 10 per cent.
In an interview with CNN on Jun. 14, Rafsanjani welcomed diplomacy with the U.S., saying, "If the Americans are sincere in their cooperation and working with Iran, I think the time is right to open a new chapter in our relations. But if the United States wants to continue its obstructions and hostility then the previous conditions will persist."
On Jun. 15, Rezai withdrew from the race.
On Jun. 16, campaign activities drew to a close. More than 500 people called for a boycott in Tehran in front of the main broadcasting facility. The White House issued a statement, saying, "Iran's rulers denied more than a thousand people who put themselves forward as candidates, including popular reformers and women who have done so much for the cause of freedom and democracy in Iran."
Also on Jun. 16, outgoing president Khatami accused unnamed persons of "disruption of gatherings and beatings," adding, "It seems there is an organized movement to hurt the glorious process of these elections."
Voting took place on Jun. 17. Khamenei thanked voters for a "wise, strong and extensive" turnout. Polling stations remained open for an additional four hours. Interior minister Abdolvahed Mousavi Lari said the country would "certainly have a run-off because the competition is very serious and candidates are very close to each other."
On Jun. 18, Iran's Interior Ministry announced tallies from all domestic ballots. Rafsanjani finished in first place with 21.1 per cent, followed by Ahmadinejad with 19.2 per cent, Karroubi with 17.4 per cent, Qalibaf with 15.4 per cent, and Moin with 14.5 per cent.
While the votes of Iranians living abroad have not yet been counted, it is unlikely that the outcome will change. Rafsanjani and Ahmadinejad were to face each other in a run-off. The second round was scheduled for Jun. 24.
On Jun. 19, the Council of Guardians said Rafsanjani and Ahmadinejad would have two full days of campaigning before the second round takes place.
On Jun. 20, the Council of Guardians announced a partial recount encompassing 40 ballot boxes from Tehran and 60 more from Isfahan, Qom and Mashhad. The measure is intended to provide "a more careful study of the results" according to a statement broadcast on Iranian television.
Moin requested a delay in the run-off until an inquiry into alleged wrongdoing has been held, saying, "Take seriously the danger of fascism. Such creeping and complex attempts will eventually lead to militarism, authoritarianism as well as social and political suffocation in the country."
Reformist factions have assembled behind Rafsanjani in the run-off, while more traditionalist conservatives have pledged to back Ahmadinejad.
On Jun. 21, Rafsanjani vowed to enact changes and create jobs during a rally at Tehran University, declaring, "I was the prime mover in establishing reforms, and Khatami's government took further steps. Definitely it should go on." Ahmadinejad pledged to pay attention to financial developments, saying, "In the domain of economy, we do not lack human resources. We have valuable manpower in our universities. Investments in research and development can help the economy improve."
A survey by the Iranian Students Polling Agency placed Ahmadinejad as the top contender in the run-off with 45 per cent, followed by Rafsanjani with 39.1 per cent.
The second round took place on Jun. 24, with some reports of voter intimidation. Once again, polling stations were open for an additional four hours.
Rafsanjani aide Mohammad Atrianfar predicted a victory for the former president with 55 per cent of the vote, declaring, "We know that massive irregularities have taken place in steering votes toward a certain candidate in which the Basij (militia) has played a role. The Ahmadinejad camp claimed to have an insurmountable advantage in rural areas.
Official results were released on Jun. 25. Ahmadinejad was declared the winner with 61.6 per cent of the vote, with Rafsanjani a distant second with 35.9 per cent. The remaining 2.5 per cent of the ballots were declared invalid.
In a taped radio statement, Ahmadinejad declared his intention to make Iran a "modern, advanced, powerful, and Islamic society," adding, "Let's convert competition to friendship. We are all a nation and a big family." The new president has vowed to increase salaries, foster development in rural areas, and expand health programs and social benefits for women.
Turnout was tabled at 63 per cent for the first round, and 59 per cent for the run-off.
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Joanne Moore said Ahmadinejad's triumph would have little effect on American views, saying, "With the conclusion of the elections in Iran, we have seen nothing that sways us from our view that Iran is out of step with the rest of the region in the currents of freedom and liberty that have been so apparent in Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon."
On Aug. 3, Khamenei signed a decree endorsing Ahmadinejad as the new president. Ahmadinejad said he would focus on fostering closer cooperation with neighbouring countries that are not hostile towards Iran.
Political Players
Rahbar: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
President: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
The Rahbar is the leader of the Islamic Republic. The president is elected to a four-year term by popular vote.
Legislative Branch: The Majlis-e-Shura-ye-Eslami (Islamic Consultative Assembly) has 290 members, elected to four-year terms in multi-seat and single-seat constituencies. All assembly candidates have to be approved by the Shura-E-Nigahban (Council of Guardians) in order to run. The Council is charged with examining all legislation passed by the Assembly, to ensure that it conforms to Islamic law. The Council has twelve members; six clergymen chosen by the Leadership Council, plus six Muslim lawyers selected by the High Council of Justice. Council members serve six-year terms. Six posts are changed every three years.
Results of Last Election:
President - Jun. 17 and Jun. 24, 2005
Jun. 17 | Jun. 24 | |
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad | 19.2% | 61.6% |
Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani | 21.1% | 35.9% |
Mehdi Karrubi | 17.4% | -- |
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf | 13.9% | -- |
Mostafa Moin | 13.7% | -- |
Ali Larijani | 5.9% | -- |
Mohsen Mehr Alizade | 4.4% | -- |
Islamic Consultative Assembly - Feb. 20 and May 7, 2004
Seats | |
Conservative / Islamists | 190 |
Reformists | 50 |
Independents | 43 |
Religious minorities | 5 |
Undecided seats | 2 |
