The Heat: Elections in Iran

The Heat

Nathan King

Nathan King

Published April 27, 2017 at 8:14 PM
Updated April 28, 2017 at 12:43 PM

On May 19, the citizens of Iran will head to the polls and cast a vote for their next President.  

Elections come at a time of rising tension in Syria and the broader Middle East, and a new U.S. administration that’s been openly critical of not only the Iran nuclear deal, but Tehran’s behavior in the region and beyond. President Hassan is no heir apparent, and the path to victory will be riddled with complications and challenges. Rouhani’s alleged failure to keep his promises have created a rift among his base supporters, and create a pathway to victory for another candidate.  

Rouhani ran on a platform of inclusion and hope. Four years later his only significant achievement is the nuclear deal, that may have generated enough value to Iranians to garner Rouhani the votes he needs for re-election.  Six candidates won the approval of the country’s Guardian Council — a conservative watchdog group charged with vetting the candidates. The group includes, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Ebrahim Raeisi, custodian of the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad.

To discuss the election and what’s at stake:

  • Mohsen Milani, executive director of the Center for Strategic and Diplomatic Studies at the University of South Florida.
  • Trita Parsi, founder and president of the National Iranian American Council. His latest book is entitled, “Losing an Enemy – Obama, Iran and the Triumph of Diplomacy”.
  • Kaveh Afrasiabi, former adviser to Iran’s nuclear negotiating team — political scientist and author.

 

 

 

 

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