Washington Post – Editorial: It has become a truism among those who promote and observe the development of new democracies that elections alone do not make democracy. Without other characteristics of democracy — free press, free speech, the right to form political parties — elections can even be counterproductive, since they give spurious legitimacy to “winners.”
Unfair Elections
Rafsanjani reassures Iran’s ultra-conservatives, praises Revolutionary Guards
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Jun. 23 – Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani told a meeting of senior Revolutionary Guards commanders that he has not accepted any pre-conditions to win the support of different factions within the regime for his presidency. All those who are supporting me in the run-off are doing so without any pre-condition, the former President said.
Rafsanjani reassures ultra-conservatives, praises Revolutionary Guards
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Jun. 23 – Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani told a meeting of senior Revolutionary Guards commanders that he has not accepted any pre-conditions to win the support of different factions within the regime for his presidency. All those who are supporting me in the run-off are doing so without any pre-condition, the former President said.
Iran elections round-up
Iran Focus and wire services:
Iran Government Spokesman: Votes are being bought
New poll puts Tehran mayor ahead
Iran revolution ‘at stake’ in election: Rowhani
Iran elections round-up
Iran Focus and wire services:
Iran Government Spokesman: Votes are being bought
New poll puts Tehran mayor ahead
Iran revolution ‘at stake’ in election: Rowhani
Iran can’t ignore discontent of youthful electorate
Christian Science Monitor: Iran’s mullahs have just conducted the first round of their exercise in nondemocracy, the election of a new president. Their Guardian Council, made up of Islamic hard-liners, largely determines everything. In this year’s election, they determined who should run, disallowed a thousand contenders, and ruled out all women candidates.
Iran journalist sentenced to 3 months in prison
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Jun. 22 A court in Irans holy city of Qom has sentenced a journalist to 91 days in prison for having insulted both the President and the head of the State Expediency Council, a state-run news agency reported. Farid Modarressi was found guilty of writing insulting material against incumbent President Mohammad Khatami and SEC chief Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
Iran journalist sentenced to 3 months in prison
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Jun. 22 A court in Irans holy city of Qom has sentenced a journalist to 91 days in prison for having insulted both the President and the head of the State Expediency Council, a state-run news agency reported. Farid Modarressi was found guilty of writing insulting material against incumbent President Mohammad Khatami and SEC chief Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
Irans Rafsanjani one of us: ultra-conservative figure
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Jun. 22 The leader of the main ultra-conservative political grouping in Irans clergy-dominated regime described former President Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani as an Islamic Fundamentalist and said whichever candidate would win in Fridays presidential elections, the result will be a victory for us.
Irans Rafsanjani one of us: ultra-conservative figure
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Jun. 22 The leader of the main ultra-conservative political grouping in Irans clergy-dominated regime described former President Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani as an Islamic Fundamentalist and said whichever candidate would win in Fridays presidential elections, the result will be a victory for us.
