Iran U-turn allows reformists to run

[bemildred]

Threat of election boycott prompts volte face by hard-line Council of Guardians

Iranian hard-liners agreed to allow two reformists to stand in next month's presidential election amid fears their disqualification could provoke a mass public boycott of the polls.

The U-turn by the Council of Guardians, a powerful political watchdog, came in response to a demand from supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and warnings the 26-year-old Islamic regime was facing a crisis of legitimacy.

The head of the Council of Guardians, Ayatollah Ahmad Janati, was quoted as writing to Khamenei that "as you consider it desirable that all people in the country from different interests have the opportunity to take part, the competence of Mr. Moin and Mr. Mehr-Alizadeh is recognized."

Mustafa Moin was the candidate chosen by the main reformist party, the Islamic Iran Participation Front, and is seen as the only credible pro-reform figure trying to run for president on June 17.

Daily Star (Lebanon)