Iranian Parliamentary Election Campaign Begins

Election posters can now be seen on the streets of Iran as a parliamentary campaign gets under way.

A weeklong election campaign by more than 3,400 candidates running in Iran's March 2 parliamentary polls began on February 23.

Analysts predict a comfortable victory by the ruling conservative faction loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei.

The reformists close to former President Mohammad Khatami are seen as outsiders, and are expected to play a minor opposition role in the next parliament.

Some less-compromising reformists are boycotting the polls.

The election campaign focuses on internal issues and the economy since Iran's strategic affairs, such as foreign policy and its disputed nuclear program, are considered state affairs under the control of the country's supreme leader.

Based on reporting by AFP, dpa, and Fars