Reformists Hope to Repeat Parliamentary Win in City Councils’ Election

(Tehran's City Council, where Reformists and Principlists run a tight race. Source: Fars)

Following a series of victories inside Iran’s parliament, such as securing the majority of seats inside the supervisory committee for council elections, Reformists seem to be planning for a major win in city council elections across Iran, slated for spring 2017, with a focus on metropolises.

A number of analysts believe that rival groups should come to terms with the reality that political equations have changed, and [Reformist, pro-Rouhani group] Hope Front is now the most popular political group in Iran’s politics. Victory in last winter’s parliamentary elections has bolstered solidarity between diverse Reformist groups, once again turning them into a powerful factor in Iran’s political equations.

The composition of representatives in councils’ supervisory committee in the parliament [which is in charge of qualifying candidates] means that key Reformist figures will have no more concern about being barred from the elections, and will mount the stage with more confidence.

Nonetheless, there seems to be a tardiness in Reformists’ preparation for the elections, giving the impression that most electoral focus is channeled towards presidential polls that will be held simultaneously with council elections.

However, in an interview with Tabnak, Tehran Reformist MP Ahmad Mazani speaks of his group’s “comprehensive plan” to actively participate in the elections. He admits the importance of presidential election, but states that city council has its own significance for the Reformists. “Even sometimes there is a perception among Reformists that a two-term presidency has become a given” he says. “Thus, they should focus on city council elections.”

Another Reformist Tehran MP, the outspoken Mahmoud Sadeghi, also tells Tabnak that Supreme Reformist Council for Policy-Making has started planning, and provincial workforces have been established. Though he adds no particular measure has been taken yet.

“It seems that the results of parliamentary elections will recur in metropolises and larger cities” Sadeghi says, pointing to the Hope List’s powerful victory last winter. “But it’s too soon to speak of smaller cities.”

* This piece was originally published in Tabnak. Tabnak is one of Iran’s leading news websites, affiliated with former Revolutionary Guards commander Mohsen Rezaei.