TEHRAN: Reformist and moderate Iranian politicians allied with President Hassan Rouhani won a big victory in second round parliamentary elections and capped a remarkable comeback on Saturday after years of isolation.

The outcome represents a significant realignment of competing factions in the Islamic republic, with conservative MPs losing their dominance and being outnumbered for the first time since 2004.

It was also an implicit public vote of confidence in Mr Rouhani, who won a landslide victory in 2013 and went on to clinch a historic deal with world powers over Tehran’s nuclear programme that lifted sanctions.

Official results also showed 17 women were elected – eight more than at present and the highest female representation since the country’s revolution in 1979.

Almost a quarter of parliament’s seats were at stake in run-offs on Friday in what was a showdown between reformists and conservatives seeking to influence the country’s future.

Although Iran’s parliament has marginal powers – under the country’s rule clerics can veto legislation – the result will help the government deliver economic reforms such as a new oil contracts law that could tempt foreign majors.

It could also speed up social change demanded by reformists.

Their return as a major force is a shake-up for hardliners in Tehran after an era of diplomatic clashes with the West over a nuclear programme that, before Mr Rouhani, had left Iran under threat of military attack. Most lawmakers who opposed the landmark agreement struck last year after years of talks with Tehran’s long-time foe the United States and other leading nations were rejected by voters.

That verdict should make Mr Rouhani’s job easier.

Iran does not have rigid party affiliations, making election outcomes opaque. Some candidates were backed by both camps and others stood as independents.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...