Iranian Elections

By Stephen Lendman

On Friday, Iranians turned out in large numbers to select members of parliament, its Majlis, and seven members of its 88-member Assembly of Experts.

Responsible for selecting Iran’s Supreme Leader, its members serve 8-year terms. Meeting twice annually, it’s comprised of a leadership council and six committees.

Held every four years, at stake are 290 seats in parliament, candidates aged-30 to 75 eligible to run.

Around 58 million Iranians are eligible to vote, citizens aged-18 or older.

Candidates from 208 constituencies ran for office, Tehran the largest.

Iranian elections are open, free and fair, shaming the US money-controlled duopoly system — one-party rule with two right wings.

The Guardian Council vets political aspirants to protect and preserve Iran’s Islamic character and national sovereignty from hostile imperial efforts to change things.

According to Iran’s Interior Minister Abdol-Reza Rahmani-Fazli, over 91% of political aspirants were approved by the Guardian Council to run for parliament on Friday — 7,148 candidates for 290 seats.

In Tehran, 1,453 candidates contested for 30 seats. No limitation exists on how often incumbents and former incumbents can seek reelection.

Around 85% of voting is electronic. Principalists (conservatives) vied with Reformists for parliamentary seats.

Various parties represented them, along with other independent parties. Elements tied to US imperial interests, wanting pro-Western (tyrannical) Pahlavi-style rule restored operate in exile.

When last held, Reformists gained control of parliament with moderate candidates by a 137 – 120-seat majority over Principalists.

Due to large numbers turning out Friday to vote, 54,611 polling stations scheduled to close at 6PM stayed open to 10PM, as late as midnight where needed to accommodate voters.

Iranian Elections Strengthen Rouhani’s Hand

On Tuesday, Ayatollah Khamenei called Iranian elections “a source of strengthening the country,” adding:

“Look at how US propaganda seeks to separate the people from the Islamic system. They create think tanks to plot this.”

“They seek to distance the Iranian youth from the Islamic system, but they won’t succeed.”

“Enemies and friends are watching. Enemies want to see the result of these economic problems, the Westerners’ deceit in their promises to us, and the US pressures on the people.”

“Our friends watch worriedly, but we always tell them not to worry. The Iranian nation knows what it’s doing.”

“Taking part in the elections nullifies many of the vicious plots of the US and the Zionist regime against Iran.”

“These elections repel the schemes and ploys of the enemies of Iran.”

“Iran should become stronger. This frustrates the enemy. One manifestation of strength is having a strong Majlis.”

“The more participation there is in the election, the stronger the Majlis will be. This is one factor for strengthening the Majlis.”

Iranian First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri called Friday’s large turnout a testimony to Iranian rejection of hostile US propaganda.

Tabulating Friday’s ballots continues, results expected to be announced Sunday.

According to Press TV, partial results show Principalists ahead, including a clear lead in Tehran.

Interior Ministry spokesman Esmail Mousavin said most constituency results will be announced on Saturday, adding:

“In certain constituencies, however, releasing results will take until Sunday due to the number of candidates.”

Winning a minimum of 20% of votes cast in each constituency is required to gain a seat in parliament.

A follow-up election is held for undecided constituencies.

Based on what’s known so far, Principalists appear heading for a parliamentary majority.

A Final Comment

Timed to be announced on election day, the Trump regime imposed illegal sanctions on “five senior” Iranian officials.

According to DJT’s envoy for regime change in Iran Brian Hook, targeted individuals “denied the Iranian people free and fair parliamentary elections” — how the US political system operates, not the Islamic Republic’s.

Friday’s action was symbolic, part of US war on Iran by other means.

Ongoing for over 40 years, it’s part of what US imperialism is all about, a scourge threatening everyone everywhere.

*Award-winning author Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. He is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization (CRG)