Allies of Iran's reformist President Hassan Rouhani have won a landslide victory in Tehran...
This stunning election result will make a difference in Iran's engagement with the wider world. President Rouhani's hand has been strengthened in parliament to help open his country to greater trade and investment. That will help him, and others in his reformist camp, to deepen the dialogue with the West, which began with negotiations on a landmark nuclear deal. But much of this opening will continue to be with Europe, rather than the US. Iran's relationship with America is still complex and controversial. ..
Voting was extended three times on Friday as crowds reportedly flocked to polling stations. Turnout was more than 60%. Reformists, who want better relations with the outside world and more freedoms at home, were hoping to gain influence in the conservative-dominated bodies...
07 March 2016
Finally some good election news
Though not from the U.S. -
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We need to realize the President of Iran is a secondary position, subservient to the unelected Supreme Leader (unelected by the populace, but elected by the "Assembly of Experts", the national religous council). In turn, the "Guardian Council" of 12 religious leaders selects those in the Assembly of Experts. Focusing on the legislature and the President of Iran is not focusing on the real policy makers, nor the real rulers of the country.
ReplyDeleteThe supreme leader appoints
- The Chief Justics (head of the Judiciary branch)
- 6 of the 12 members of the Guardian Council
- The head of the national media (Radio and TV)
- The heads of all the armed forces, down to head of Navy, Army, Air Force, etc.
- The heads of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (parallel to the armed forces,) down to Ground Forces, Navy, Quds Force, etc.
- The National Police commander
- Heads of all intelligence Units
The Guardian Council also approves who may run for national political office In the last election they rejected approximately 50% of all candidates. In the 2013 Presidential election, they rejected 99% of all candidates, leaving 8 approved out of 686 who registered as candidates.
Given this, I wonder what a real "moderate" candidate would be?
And we get to call a "moderate" a person who has given a speech including the statement
"Saying 'Death to America' is easy. We need to express 'Death to America' with action. Saying it is easy..."
[Remark made on May 8, 2013, as quoted in "About That New 'Moderate' Iranian Cabinet ..." The Wall Street Journal, (August 7, 2013)]