Campaigning for Iran’s 11th parliament officially began today for the Feb. 21 elections. According to Tasnim News Agency, campaigning will last until Feb. 19. The short campaign window and the disqualifications of Reformist and moderate candidates have left the public with many questions as to who is running and under which political faction for the 290-seat assembly.
Over the last few administrations, Iran’s parliament has lost much of its power, often reduced to a stage where partisan issues are debated but rarely resolved. Issues of national importance or national security are sometimes contested but ultimately the parliament votes along the lines and policies set forth by the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
