Maryam Mansouri
As the tenth presidential elections loom ahead in Iran, speculations have heated up regarding the participation of various reformist figures in the upcoming race. Mohammad Atrianfar, a prominent member of the Servants of Construction Party ["Kargozaran-e Sazandegi"], close to former president Hashemi Rafsanjani, discusses the prospects of Abdollah Nouri's candidacy with Rooz. Abdollah Nouri was former president Khatami's first interior minister who was impeached by the conservative fifth Majlis before being sentences to five years imprisonment.
Analyzing the country's present political atmosphere and the composition of reformists ahead of presidential elections, Atrianfar rejects the possibility that reformists would agree on a signle candidate from either the Servants of Construction or Participation Front [Jebhey-e Mosharekat], adding, "In these conditions, a candidate that can build a coalition must be above party politics; meaning a force containing not only an a national aura, but also the allegiance of different groups and political parties."
The senior member of the Servants of Construction party notes that reformists are leaning toward more pragmatic faces: "Given the experience of the past two or three years, when the country's management system was disrupted, it is necessary that qualified candidates who are well-accepted by reformists enter the scene. In such a situation, it is improbable that reformists would focus on factional politics and internal groupings in the elections."
Commenting on the possibility that reformists and those seeking general change may agree on a single candidate in the tenth presidential election, Atrianfar says, "There have been several discussions inside the reformist camp and among reformists parties on the necessity of Khatami's participation and the country's need for him; however, until now the person of Seyyed Mohammad Khatami as not announced his readiness to participate in elections. Should he does so, he would appear on the national stage as a popular figure, like before."
Commenting on the possibility of Abdullah Nouri's candidacy, and the ramifications of such an event on present political equations, Atrianfar, while deeming such an event "highly improbable," brings up Nouri's influence in both Hashemi and Khatami administrations: "As a clear, transparent person who shies away from irresponsible actions, he would oppose illegal pressures and hidden movements."
This political activist adds, "There is consensus on Abdullah Nouri's influence and broad reach, and event his opponents and critics are in consensus about his influence and broad reach."
At the same time, Atrianfar believes it to be impossible for both Nouri and Khatami to participate: "In this respect, certain relations can be influential and, because the focus is on unity of candidates, the presence of Khatami with Nouri or vice versa would be meaningless."
Atrianfar recalls Abdullah Nouri's experience in various fields, adding, "Mr. Nouri has played a significant role in removing barriers to the emergence of reformists and has paid heavy expenses in this respect. His possible presence would also affect the current unfavorable economic conditions, because he was a successful manager when he was in charge of the Majlis Budget and Planning Commission as well as the Ministry of Interior. Most of officials in the previous two administrations were considered to be his colleagues."
