In Iran, conservatives will continue to make up a large majority of the Majles. The outcome of Iran’s parliamentary election comes as no surprise after hundreds of candidates were barred from running by Iran’s Guardians Council, a body of clerics and jurists that screens candidates based on a variety of arbitrary factors, including their perceived loyalty to Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
In a written statement, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said that Iran has once again failed to meet international standards on the conduct of democratic elections:
“The Iranian regime again used ideological grounds to disqualify candidates for parliament, imposed severe restrictions on the ability of journalists and media outlets to cover elections, limited the ability of candidates to campaign, and refused to allow independent election monitors access to polling stations on election day,” said Mr. McCormack.
The U.S. supports the right of the Iranian people to choose their own government through a free, fair and transparent election process.
Mr. McCormack said, “We urge Iran’s leaders to end interference in future elections, including the 2009 presidential elections, increase the transparency of their elections by allowing independent monitors and protect the rights of Iran’s citizens to freedom of expression, press, and association. We urge the new Majles to abide by Iran’s international obligations and to work for a democratic Iran that is accountable to the will of its people.”