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Rafsanjani emphasizes importance of political parties

Ahead of the parliamentary elections, Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani seeks the strengthening of political parties.
EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani gives the opening speech during Iran's Assembly of Experts' biannual meeting in Tehran March 8, 2011. Rafsanjani lost his position on Tuesday as head of an important state clerical body after hardliners criticised him for being too close to the reformist opposition. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: POLITIC
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In a meeting with the newly formed Reformist bloc, Union of Islamic Iran People Party, Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani talked about his vision for the 2016 parliamentary elections and the important role of political parties. The issue is significant because one of the problems facing political groups in Iran is that since there are no official political parties, the various political factions and groups lack cohesion and often rely on charismatic figures to attract voters. With former President Mohammad Khatami politically sidelined and many of the radical Reformist figures imprisoned, the role of parties will be important in the upcoming elections, especially for those in the Reformist and moderate camps.

Using the Rouhani slogan of “moderation,” Rafsanjani said, “People — especially the youth and women, and particularly the educated — are prepared to enter the elections for institutionalizing moderation in the country.” He added, “This moment ... is the responsibility of all ... the parties and organizations ... to enter the elections [and] create another political epic in February ... which are important elections.” The term “political epic” was coined by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ahead of the Iranian New Year in March 2013 to promote a large turnout for the June presidential election.

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