Sara Samavati

َAli Mazroui is a member of the Islamic Iran Participation Front’s political bureau. This is a pro-reform group, amid other in Iran. Mazroui spoke to Rooz about the upcoming Majlis (parliament) elections and the possibility of a reformist coalition.

Rooz (R): Mr. Mazroui, it seems like the Participation Front is a major and influential member of a grand reformist coalition. How important is this coalition and how effective will it be?

Rajabali Mazroui (RM): In my opinion, the only factor that can guarantee victory for reformists in the eight Majlis elections – if elections are relatively free and competitive – is unity and collaboration. Right now, almost all reformist groups have reached this conclusion. I think that steps are being taken towards forming this coalition and I am very optimistic that such a coalition can be formed before election time arrives, as it did during city council elections.

R: Much discussion has taken place about the nature of this coalition, for example, whether radical reformist forces should be excluded from it. Is this a coalition of moderate reformist groups?

RM: Look, these discussions are in no way real to me because there are no criteria for measuring the radicalness or moderateness of reformist groups. It is clear to everyone which reformist groups are active players in the political arena. So if a coalition is going to emerge, it will include these groups. These discussions are brought up mostly by the hardliners that try to divide the reformists.

R: Do you think that hardliners can form a coalition too? What is your take on that?

RM: I certainly hope that they are able to form a coalition because then the elections will be between two groups and people can decide easier. But based on available evidence and information, it seems like there are divisions between conservatives and hardliners, and the two groups have not been able to reach a common ground yet.

R: Do you think it is possible for some traditional conservatives to align themselves with moderate reformists?

RM: I don’t think that that is possible, because there is ideological difference between reformists and conservatives, and this divides the two camps. I don’t think that that would be wise either, because elections are forums for competition where ideological and political differences are brought to the fore and discussed.

R: Do you think that reformists may ask for international agencies to monitor the elections?

RM: I have not heard anyone discussing this, at least in the reformist circles. Personally, I don’t think that such a proposal could help Iran’s electoral process – even voicing it causes trouble. I think that whatever needs to be done must be done from the inside. We will contribute the most to democracy in Iran if we mobilize the press, political parties, and civil activists.