Political turmoil in Iran
Joe Fleishman
June 16, 2009
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad finally re-elected as a president for the second time. He got a landslide victory over his rival Mir Hossein Mousavi. Unlike any other presidential race in Iran this election ended up with significant violence and protest. People took to the street to protest against Ahmadinejad claiming the election was fraud and full of irregularities. Mir Hossein Mousavi and his supporters are literally rejected the election result.
Iran is the only democratic nation in the Arab world. In few other nations people can vote but those are not so significant and factually no closer to western style democracy. Besides, Iran is the only nation in the Arab world where women can vote.
This election was predicted to be keen contested and several opinion poll showed Mir Hossein Mousavi was leading over President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. But the election result was startling for everyone. Soon after the officials declared President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is the victor people burst into anger. They chanting "Mousavi Mousavi" and gave slogan against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "death to the dictator".
Iran counts vote by hand and it is surprising that within two hours since the polling ends election officials declared Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the winner.
Iran´s supreme leader is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He is the ultimate man and has the authority to give his decision on this. Khamenei congratulated Ahmadinejad saying he is everyone´s president. That was nearly thinning the last hope of Mir Hossein Mousavi. However, Mousavi later met Khamenei to press his appeal. Shortly after that Iran's supreme leader ordered Monday an investigation into allegations of election fraud.
Iran does not allow any foreign observer to monitor the election. So the foreign media cannot neutrally investigate both the candidate´s claim. But one thing is still very clear that both candidates did not enjoy equal rights of campaign. Hossein Mousavi faced many challenges to campaign. Websites which were working for Mousavi was blocked, social network sites like Facebook experienced hindrance, text messaging system of the mobile phone became inactive –all these were popular campaigning media for Mir Hossein Mousavi.
Mir Hossein Mousavi is a reformist. He introduced new style election campaign in Iran. Like many other western nation he took his wife in his public meeting. His wife was also played significant role for him. Mousavi announced if elected he will introduce new law for women so they will enjoy more rights and will not treated as a second class citizen. His stands attract many young women voters and opinion poll showed women voters are significantly supporting Mr. Mousavi. Some analysts believe unprecedented voter turnout is highly influenced by Mir Hossein Mousavi´s reform plan.
At this moment Mir Hossein Mousavi has declared point of no return. They will not stop agitation against the government unless their demand is fulfilled – cancellation of official election result.
Countries like U.S. and Israel is closely monitoring the situation in Iran. It is sure that they are not very happy for Ahmadinejad´s victory particularly, when the whole election process is under question. President Barak Obama said whoever is elected he would like to continue negotiation for denuclearization. Ahmadinejad on the other hand stated his nuclear project will continue at the upcoming days ahead. However, Ahmadinejad´s second time presidency will likely to be more rocky. This time he will not only face the international pressure but also at his home Ahmadinejad is under fire and it will presumably continue at the upcoming days.
Iran is the only democratic nation in the Arab world. In few other nations people can vote but those are not so significant and factually no closer to western style democracy. Besides, Iran is the only nation in the Arab world where women can vote.
This election was predicted to be keen contested and several opinion poll showed Mir Hossein Mousavi was leading over President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. But the election result was startling for everyone. Soon after the officials declared President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is the victor people burst into anger. They chanting "Mousavi Mousavi" and gave slogan against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "death to the dictator".
Iran counts vote by hand and it is surprising that within two hours since the polling ends election officials declared Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the winner.
Iran´s supreme leader is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He is the ultimate man and has the authority to give his decision on this. Khamenei congratulated Ahmadinejad saying he is everyone´s president. That was nearly thinning the last hope of Mir Hossein Mousavi. However, Mousavi later met Khamenei to press his appeal. Shortly after that Iran's supreme leader ordered Monday an investigation into allegations of election fraud.
Iran does not allow any foreign observer to monitor the election. So the foreign media cannot neutrally investigate both the candidate´s claim. But one thing is still very clear that both candidates did not enjoy equal rights of campaign. Hossein Mousavi faced many challenges to campaign. Websites which were working for Mousavi was blocked, social network sites like Facebook experienced hindrance, text messaging system of the mobile phone became inactive –all these were popular campaigning media for Mir Hossein Mousavi.
Mir Hossein Mousavi is a reformist. He introduced new style election campaign in Iran. Like many other western nation he took his wife in his public meeting. His wife was also played significant role for him. Mousavi announced if elected he will introduce new law for women so they will enjoy more rights and will not treated as a second class citizen. His stands attract many young women voters and opinion poll showed women voters are significantly supporting Mr. Mousavi. Some analysts believe unprecedented voter turnout is highly influenced by Mir Hossein Mousavi´s reform plan.
At this moment Mir Hossein Mousavi has declared point of no return. They will not stop agitation against the government unless their demand is fulfilled – cancellation of official election result.
Countries like U.S. and Israel is closely monitoring the situation in Iran. It is sure that they are not very happy for Ahmadinejad´s victory particularly, when the whole election process is under question. President Barak Obama said whoever is elected he would like to continue negotiation for denuclearization. Ahmadinejad on the other hand stated his nuclear project will continue at the upcoming days ahead. However, Ahmadinejad´s second time presidency will likely to be more rocky. This time he will not only face the international pressure but also at his home Ahmadinejad is under fire and it will presumably continue at the upcoming days.
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