Tehran, 6 November 2002 (RFE/RL) -- Iran's parliament approved today legislation that would end the conservative Guardians Council's power to approve or veto candidates for public office. Following a debate carried live on state radio, deputies unanimously approved the measure. Elaheh Koulai, a legislator from Tehran and backer of the bill, said that the electorate needs to be convinced that the people's votes count.
But the bill now must pass the scrutiny of the Guardians Council itself, which also is empowered to annul legislation.
President Mohammad Khatami's allies have threatened that Khatami will resign if opponents block the measure, and that reformists might stage a mass walk-out from government.
But the bill now must pass the scrutiny of the Guardians Council itself, which also is empowered to annul legislation.
President Mohammad Khatami's allies have threatened that Khatami will resign if opponents block the measure, and that reformists might stage a mass walk-out from government.