The EU expresses its deep concern that election procedures in the Islamic Republic of Iran have fallen below the international standards and that the electoral process did not allow for truly competitive elections, according to a statement released by the 27-nation blocs Slovenian Presidency.
It expresses its deep regret and disappointment that over a third of prospective candidates were prevented from standing in this years parliamentary elections, it said, adding, These exclusions prevented the Iranian people from being able to choose freely amongst the full range of political views in their country and represent a clear violation of the international norms.
As a result, the election was neither fair nor free, the statement said.
