Hossein Mohammadi
Mohammadi1363@gmail.com
RoozOnline spoke with Ali Mazroui, president of the Iranian Association of Journalists and the central committee member of the Islamic Iran Participation Front ["Hezb-e Mosharekat-e Iran-e Eslami"] about the tenth presidential election next year, and obstacles in its path. Here is the text of the interview.
Rooz (R): Only eight months are left before the presidential election. Don't you think that reformist camp is a bit disorganized at this stage?
Ali Mazroui (AM): Even in America the final candidates are now known eight months before the election. Iran has its own issues on top of that.
R: Nevertheless there are several candidates and there is coalition in sight, etc. Isn't this worrisome?
AM: I think this question is not very relevant, because compared to the previous election the trend that is seen in the reformist camp is much more hopeful and positive.
R: Does that mean you will unite behind a single candidate?
AM: All reformists have agreed to unite behind a single candidate and in my opinion that will happen.
R: But even now Mr. Karoubi has officially announced his candidacy and several others have announced that they will run if Khatami chooses not to.
AM: The general principle of uniting behind a single candidate is accepted by all, even Mr. Karoubi. Mr. Karoubi himself suggested establishing a unity council. Besides Mr. Karoubi no one has yet announced their candidacy, but it is accepted that all candidates will come and present their views.
R: The sheer number of candidates does not worry you with the little time left until the election?
AM: No, this is to reformists' advantage, because all people voice their views and the political atmosphere becomes more open. However, all have accepted and agreed to unite behind a single candidate.
R: So you think reformists will definitely unite behind a single candidate?
AM: In effect the approach chosen by all reformists parties is toward that goal.
R: Mr. Khatami, as your main candidate, has announced two preconditions for participating in the election. Have you had any discussion about them?
AM: Those were not preconditions. A state-owned news agency spun it as such. Mr. Khatami have raised this discussion many times in the past and this time was no different than his past discussions.
R: Mr. Mazroui, can Mr. Khatami's presence even be of benefit to Iran and the reformist movement?
AM: A large section of reformists believe that the first priority is to stop the present destructive trend. After that the issue of reforms are discussed.
R: Meaning your goal from Mr. Khatami's presence is first and foremost to stop the crisis afflicting the country?
AM: Effectively, yes.
R: What are the chances of Mr. Khatami's disqualification or other issues?
AM: We must not talk about low probability events in politics. We must move forward and see what happens and then decide accordingly. We must not commit suicide out of fear of death.
R: But such events may take place.
AM: No. In light of conditions and necessities present in society the only person that can compete with Mr. Ahmadinejad and defeat him is Mr. Khatami.
R: And you do not fear voting violations?
AM: If there is a high turnout by the public, the probability of that would be very low. But to think that election results will definitely be rigged and participating in elections has no benefit is a pessimistic view that must not be heeded in politics.
R: And if Mr. Khatami chooses not to run?
AM: All of our arguments are based on the presupposition that he would definitely run. If that turns out not to be the case at some point, we will have to make the appropriate decisions.
