Seyyed Mohammad Khatami has quit the presidential race; however, the deadline to file for candidacy in the tenth presidential election looms at the end of April. Those who, like the present author, regard Khatami as the best available option for advancing democratization, empowering civil society and realizing the national interest, have the opportunity starting today to demonstrate to "autocrats" the might of Iran's "civil society."

Those from the ranks of the civil society who have reached the determination that no candidate like Khatami is able to empower civil society, expand the social sphere, embed social movements, weaken autocracy and totalitarianism, and realize the national interests, must engage in real action. Informed citizens and Iran's committed civil society activists have plenty of time to begin a social movement for Khatami's return to the presidential race. Obviously, what is meant by a social movement is not street protests. It is enough for the "social demand" to find articulation through discussion circles, text messages or emails, or to be addressed on the Internet. Such actions would be meaningful enough for the person of Khatami and his advisors.

Khatami must believe that among the present candidates, no individual possesses his particular potential and social capital, meaning that no other candidate is able to forge a cross-cutting consensus in society as well as he can in order to heavily defeat the autocrats.

It is predictable, and quite possible, that the realities of the next few weeks would push other reformist candidates toward the realization that "The best candidate for change and to advance reforms is Khatami." Even if that does not take place, nothing is lost. The widespread support and the articulated demand of the civil society has enough power to convince Khatami and enable him to view his "moral duty" from a different perspective.

If a considerable portion of the intellectual, professional, civil society activist, political activist, youth, student, and female communities insist on their deep demand for Khatami, all opposing autocrats, "unofficial centers of power," all illogical criticisms and factional and tribal resistances, would be pushed to the side.

Politics without faith, hope and patience, would not bear fruit. Believe that Khatami has enough potential to change the "game" in favor of "the self" (Iran and Iranians) - even if he enters the match at the 90th minute.