Covering the Iranian elections

Well, only one week until the presidential elections in Iran. I am holding my breath, I tell you. Lots is going on there right now, but first a rundown of the 8 candidates (only the following three are considered the heavies):

Rafsanjani: With a new watchword, “Democratic Development”Â?, the veteran politician stepped into the presidential campaign, putting an end to all the hot debates around his presense/abscense. Although open-minded compared with neo-cons and traditional right wingers; he doesn”Ëœt believe in democracy and freedom of speech in it”Ëœs modern form. Also Iran suffered several economic crises (including a 50% percent inflation rate in 1995) during his administration.

Moein: Having entered the scene with Ayatollah Khamenei”Ëœs extra-legal verdict, Moein is probably the ugly duckling of elections turning white on 17th of June. His speeches have gradually turned radical, from promising to appoint a vice-president for Human Rights to “criticizing extra-legal verdicts”Â?, to inviting the marginalized nationalist groups to join his camp. His authority if he were to be president is something doubted.

Qalibaf: Former head of Iranian Police Force with a brilliant administrative and unclear political background. His stylish ads are noticeable all over Tehran, trying to magnetize the vote of youth. His military background (a political party affiliated with Revolutionary Guards supports him) and arrests of several bloggers during his administration of the Police Force are an Achilles heel for him.

View the rest…

Voter apathy is a problem (even Ayatollahs are urging voter turnout), but I hope the Iranian people realize that it is worth it. Hell, even Sean Penn will be there! But maybe what hits home the most is fellow blogger Hoder will be leaving Toronto and going home to cover the Iranian elections next week. But he needs a little help, so following the example of praktike let’s help a brother out.