The Islamic Republic Votes: A Turning Point?

Preliminary results from two separate polls held simultaneously on December 15 indicate a decline in support for the President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose allies appear to be trailing behind more moderate and pragmatist candidates. While no group has been able to claim decisive victory, the weak performance of lists openly favoured by the president in effect marks a victory for the reformists and pragmatists. According to the Interior Ministry over 28mn Iranians voted, more than a 60% turnout (compared to 49% in the 2002 municipal elections), for the simultaneously held municipal and Assembly of Experts elections. Although the immediate and direct

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