November 27-2015
The Majlis approved new rules last week intended to ensure fair play in campaigns for next February’s Majlis elections.
Among other things, the rules will now bar top officials, including President Rohani, from publicly endorsing candidates.
It isn’t clear that that change will make much difference. Presidents have not in the past endorsed slates of candidates. Rather the lists advertise themselves as supporting or opposing the president.
The new law still must be approved by the Council of Guardians before it becomes final.
Recent elections have seen some senior officials, including even a member of the Guardians Council, taking sides during campaigning.
The state news agency said the new law applies to the 12-man Council of Guardians as well as the interior minister, provincial governors general, and all their deputies and advisers.
The Interior Ministry is responsible for administering elections while the Council of Guardians vets candidates and says whose name can go on the ballot.
Anyone violating the new law will be fined, the state news agency reported.
Other parts of the new law include a ban on smear campaigns carried on social media. The report did not say how such a restriction would be enforced.
Former President Mahmud Ahmadi-nejad, before victory in the run-off vote in 2005, enjoyed endorsements from several officials including a Friday prayer leader who was a member of the Council of Guardians.
Blocking officials from endorsing their own political factions comes as moderates and reformists appear in a stronger position as a result of Rohani’s success on the nuclear issue.