Hossein Ansari-rad was the chairman of Article 90 Commission of Iran’s sixth Majlis which is mandated to investigate public complaints over the different branches of government. He spoke with Rooz about the current situation with Iranian reformists and their views on the upcoming presidential elections next year. He stressed that elections belong to the people and that people do not need guardians to make decisions for them. Read on for the details.
Rooz (R): Iranian political groups have recently been engaged in next year’s presidential elections. In view of the problems that reformist groups and individuals have encountered in recent years, what do you think should be their strategy and policy for the elections?
Hossein Ansari-rad (HA): Their policy should be to respond to the will and wishes of the public, and public’s interests. Elections belong to the people. And as the founder of the Islamic state stated, people do not need a guardian. Any action or activity that limits freedom of choice and the will of the people is invalid and unacceptable both from the perspective of the constitution and religion, in addition to being against the interests of the country, the people and the nation. Reformists must emphasis this issue. They must understand what people want and what is it that they are after. At the international level, people want peace and at the domestic one they want welfare, freedom and the rule of law. People desire to have professions and accountability by government authorities.
R: Since reformers are now talking about the return of former president Khatami, do you think he can materialize their wishes?
HA: I think that under the current conditions, the obstacles that exist and which cannot be easily resolved , people trust Mr. Khatami and can rely on his loyalty to them, because he enjoys domestic and international standing, and so is desired by reformers and the public.
R: Don’t you think that the problems that existed when Mr. Khatami was president would be repeated all over again, albeit in a different form?
HA: Times have changed. I think comparing the conditions of today to the 8 years when Mr. Khatami was president is like comparing apples and oranges. I realize that there are obstacles, but under the circumstances there is no way to solve our problems and move on other than free elections and the presence of someone like Mr. Khatami.
R: Can other fresher candidates solve these problems?
HA: We have respect for all other possible candidates, including Mr. Nouri and Mr. Karubi. I doubt that Mr. Nouri will come forward under the current conditions, especially if Mr. Khatami decides to run. Mr. Karubi, while being a respectable person and is supported by many reformers, does not enjoy the vast support of the nation. By this I in now way mean that if Mr. Khatami should decide to run, then Mr. Karubi should refrain from being a candidate. Whatever he decides will be respected.
R: Won’t problems such as rigging impact the outcome of the elections, even with Mr. Khatami’s candidacy?
HA: I think that if free elections are held, most people will vote for him. If elections are manipulated or some other situation comes up, neither Khatami nor the public will be held responsible. It is those who cause rigging and manipulation that will be held responsible.
R: Do you think Mr. Khatami will run for the presidency?
HA: Some evidence indicates that he believes that his participation is necessary, unless a real obstacle stops him, which I personally think there can be none. According to quotes by some prominent personalities, he has not completely ruled out his participation as a candidate for the presidency.
