Subscribe to Print Edition | Mon., May 11, 2009 Iyyar 17, 5769 | | Israel Time: 10:32 (EST+7)
Haaretz israel news English
web haaretz.com
Haaretz Toolbar
Diplomacy
Defense Jewish World Opinion National
Print Edition
Car Rental
Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Focus U.S.A. Travel Week's End Anglo File TLV 100
Last update - 12:06 09/05/2009
Moderate Iranian presidential candidates register for election
By DPA
Tags: Israel News, U.S., Iran

The two main challengers of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the upcoming presidential elections on Saturday formally registered their candidacy for the June 12 polls.

While registering at the Interior Ministry in Tehran, ex-premier Mir-Hossein Moussavi and former parliament speaker Mehdi Karroubi once again criticized the president for his economic and foreign policies.

"I have come to the scene because I think this government cannot run the country's affairs. There should be changes in all fields," Karroubi told reporters after registering.
Advertisement
The moderate cleric and head of the Etemad Melli party voiced concern about possible manipulation, and especially interference by the revolutionary guards who support Ahmadinejad. Karroubi called on the senate-like Guardian Council to fulfill its obligation to guarantee legitimate elections.

Both Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Guardian Council head Ahmad Jannati rejected all charges by opposition groups that the elections could be manipulated.

Ahmadinejad registered on Friday and said he hoped that all candidates would have a fair chance to express their views.

Moussavi said he entered race the because of the unsuitable political and economic situation.

"We should seek a better way for communicating with the world," Moussavi said referring to Ahmadinejad's uncompromising policies on the nuclear dispute and the Middle East, having pushed Iran into renewed international isolation.

Moussavi last month said what Iran needed at the current critical juncture was "return to rationality," because development policies could not be pursued in an atmosphere "of confusion and insecurity."

On Friday Moussavi blamed President Ahmadinejad for his "futile slogans" and said the people should not pay astronomic costs just for these slogans.

"I believe that we can maintain our principles but at the same time lead a policy based on detente. There is no necessity at all to turn all countries into enemies," Moussavi said.

Another challenger is revolutionary guards commander Mohsen Rezaei. Although he has no real chance to win, the conservative candidate could get votes from circles critical of Ahmadinejad but not on the side of the two moderate candidates.

Political analysts say turnout will be the key factor in the June elections.

Due to widespread popular dissatisfaction with Ahmadinejad's economic policies, a high turnout would bring many protest votes in favor of the opposition candidates, namely Moussavi.

A low turnout, however, would offer Ahmadinejad better chances, as his supporters are expected to go to the polls.
Bookmark to del.icio.us  
 
'No Jews allowed'
A hotel in Austria refuses Jewish guests even though there are vacancies
Israel's secret plan
Clandestine government plan to help prevent the division of Jerusalem revealed
  1.   Free elections 13:07  |  David 09/05/09
  2.   What`s the betting that the Mad Monkey will win again? 13:25  |  Mike 09/05/09
  3.   Election in Iran 16:04  |  dani.a 09/05/09
  4.   What Difference Does it Make? 16:36  |  MIKE 09/05/09
  5.   Free elections in Iran ???????????? 08:12  |  Parvin 11/05/09
 Haaretz Hot Topics
Durban II conference
Air strike in Sudan
Israel 2009 election results: Voter breakdown
Israel vs. Hamas
Iran: Nuclear and regional ambitions
More Headlines
10:01 'Obama peace plan: Muslim world must recognize Israel'
10:30 Obama is changing the rules of Mideast pressure
05:41 Pope to touch down in Israel on Monday for historic visit
10:31 Did U.S. help Lebanon crack alleged Israeli spy rings?
07:37 Amira Hass / Israel knows that peace just doesn't pay
06:12 Mubarak to urge Netanyahu: Relaunch talks with Palestinians
09:42 Government, labor union said nearing deal on budget
09:54 Anti-Israel activists urge Leonard Cohen to nix T.A. show
21:58 WATCH: Daily news round-up from Israel
06:43 Netanyahu: Israel must ease restrictions on Palestinians
03:49 Obama security adviser: 2-state solution could diminish Iran threat
23:34 Pope fever hits Facebook with new Holy Land quiz
03:20 Poll: Arab world favors Obama, but still wary of U.S.
02:53 Netanyahu's new neighbors annoyed by disruptive security measures
10:03 Study: Quality of Israeli sperm down 40% in past decade
07:39 Israel to rethink rail route that cuts through Palestinian land
07:46 '88% of prisoners in Palestinian jails being held without trial'
Previous Editions
Special Offers
Advertisement
Spring Specials-Dan Hotels
Jerusalem from 179$. Tel-Aviv from 223$. Herzliya from 336$
The Meier on Rothschild Tower
Masterpiece Residence in the Heart of Tel Aviv
Dead Sea Skin Care
Quality cosmetics from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 12% off!
Camp Kimama Israel 2009
The best place for your children this summer
Eldan Rent a Car
Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on online reservations
Jewish Singles Personal Ads
Find the love of your life on JDate.com
Junkyard
Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt
Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | | Israel 2009 election results
Site rules | Makom: Engaging on Israel | Search engine marketing
Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.
© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved