Reformist Struggle to Pass through ‘Gate’

According to reports, as we move closer to the next elections, political movements are acting dynamically to overcome the challenges ahead. The main possible barrier for the Reformist Party, which seems well-integrated these days, is being able to pass through the Guardian Council’s ‘gate’, and therefore they are seeking a suitable solution.

The Reformists’ most prominent figure in the upcoming election, Mohammad Reza Aref, the former Vice-President, has spoken of consultations to pass through this ‘gate’.

In a recent interview with Tehran’s Shargh daily, he stated that "the disagreement between the Principlists and the Reformists is a matter of taste and this should not deface our brotherhood". He also said, “At least I myself have a close relationship with my dear Principlist brothers.” He also pointed out that he is "consulting … I have negotiated with friends and officials and will continue negotiating in the upcoming months". By friends he meant "different figures in the Guardian Council and other executive officials. The reality is that we should consult with the Guardian Council and election officials. I have met with some of them ... One of the problems we had in previous elections was not having a close relationship with election officials and directors. We should maintain this connection.”

The consultation Aref mentioned is in fact an effective method which all political analysts agree with. To solve such disagreements, adopting a pragmatic approach seems to be an appropriate choice for the Reformists. 

Another group of Reformist political activists believe that the introduction of young candidates instead of prominent political figures could be a simpler solution to bypassing the existing filters.

In supporting this approach, Abbas Abdi, an influential Reformist, states, “There is no need for Reformists to change or disregard their beliefs. They just need to make their political literature and priorities compatible with this new mentality. This is a good opportunity to introduce some younger and more energetic Reformist figures to the public sphere.”

One other group argues that holding the election in the legal framework is enough for both parties to participate in an open and competitive election. They believe that if the election is held according to the law, there is no need for supplementary efforts to pass through the Guardian Council.

Hossein Mar’ashi, one such Reformist activist, stresses the opinion that ‘Disqualification is a challenge for the entire country, not just for Reformists. If we are to manage the country in the right way, we need to hold open and competitive elections and the only way is to stick to the law.’

He adds, ‘Fortunately, Mr. Rohani is well aware of the need for righteous people in managing the country. I am of the opinion that the President strongly believes in holding free elections in the framework of the law, and he will certainly succeed.’

Translated by Paris Farhadi