Legislative in Iran: Conservatives on the rise

A woman walks past election posters in Tehran on February 19, 2020. WANA (West Asia News Agency) / Nazanin Tabatabaee via REUTERS

Text by: Siavosh Ghazi

Some 7,150 candidates were selected to participate in the legislative elections of Friday, February 21, half of the candidates registered. The candidacy of many reformist candidates has been invalidated and the Conservatives are in a position of strength.

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From our correspondent in Tehran,

The campaign was particularly lackluster and the reformers have little illusion. Many reforming personalities, including outgoing deputies were invalidated by the Council of Guardians of the Constitution, the body controlled by the Conservatives is responsible for overseeing the election, including approving the candidates.

In Tehran, part of the reformers decided not to present lists. Reform and moderate voters are also disillusioned with the government's economic and political record.

The conservatives, on the other hand, managed to present a single list, unlike the previous legislative ones, and count on a demobilization of the moderate electorate to take control of the Parliament. In some provincial ridings, reformers do not have qualified candidates, which could make it easier for the Conservatives to take control of Parliament.

By-elections to the Assembly of Experts

At the same time as these legislative elections, there are also by-elections for seven seats in the Assembly of Experts, which is responsible for appointing the Iranian Supreme Leader. Again, the Conservatives are on the rise and two leading figures from the Conservative camp, who are running in Qom and Machhad, could return to the Assembly of Experts.

In Qom, Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, known for his ultra-conservative positions, faces an unknown young religious. In Machhad, the situation is practically identical for Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi.

The return of these two ultra-conservative clerics, who were beaten four years ago, could further strengthen the conservative camp within the Assembly of Experts which should play an important role in the succession of the Iranian Supreme Leader, who is now 80 years old.

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