Iran poll results an emphatic win for reformist Rouhani

While gains by moderates and reformists in Friday’s polls were most evident in the capital, Tehran, the sheer scale of the advances there suggests a legislature more friendly to the pragmatist Rouhani has emerged as a distinct possibility. Iranians turned up in large numbers to elect members to the 290-seat Parliament as well as the Assembly of Experts. Both bodies have been in the hands of hard-liners for years. 

A loosening of control by the anti-Western hard-liners who currently dominate the 290-seat parliament could strengthen his hand to open Iran further to foreign trade and investment following last year’s breakthrough nuclear deal. The 88-member assembly elects the nation’s Supreme Leader. “The people showed their power once again and gave more credibility and strength to their elected government,” Rouhani said, adding he would work with anyone who won election to build a future for the industrialised, oil-exporting country. 

The polls were seen by analysts as a potential turning point for Iran, where nearly 60 percent of its 80 million population is under 30 and eager to engage with the world following the lifting of most sanctions. Supporters of Rouhani, who promoted the nuclear deal, were pitted against hard-liners close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who are wary of engaging with Western countries. Until now, the contest for this seat of clerical power was an unremarkable event, but not this time.

Because of Khamenei’s health and age, 76, the new assembly members who serve eight-year terms are likely to choose his successor. The next leader could well be among those elected this week, and the race is likely to be between Rouhani and Rafsanjani who is among the founders of the Islamic Republic.