Iran moderates eye more gains in run-off parliamentary election

 Islamic Republic of Iran is set to hold a second round of elections for the parliament. Although moderates and reformist  have acquired  a significant amount of seats with a gain of 90 seats  from last election,   the majority of parliament is still dominated with  hard liners with a lead of over 112 seats,  are know for stanch anti western views critical of the nuclear deal that was passed last  year. Despite a high turn out of 62 percent last  election, both the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei   and Former president  of Iran and  Mohammad Khatami, know for his reformists views, called for a high turn out.  Although the majority of Reformations  candidates are prohibited from running  the Guardian Council  , it is  expected that independents who are not affiliated with the either the reformations or the hardliners  would acquire the new seats. Iranian Women are also expected to run for parliamentary seats with a possible victory of obtaining 20 seats out of 320 seats.


Thomas Baggot
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-election-start-idUSKCN0XQ09H