The credibility of the upcoming Iranian elections has been dealt another blow, as around 550 candidates cleared to run pulled out in protest at the decision to ban 2,500 reformists from standing. The reformists have complained the vote on February the 20th will be rigged by the 12-man Guardian Council, an unelected group of conservatives. At the start of the month more than 120 reformist legislators resigned from the outgoing parliament in protest at the candidate bans. It is also feared the political infighting will fuel apathy. A low turnout from the 46 million eligible voters is likely to increase criticism both at home and abroad of the legitimacy of the election. The conservatives reject any watering-down of the Shiite political system imposed after the 1979 Revolution. Many voters are said to be frustrated by reformist President Mohammad Khatami's inability to bring political and social change. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Iranian cleric lawmaker, Ali Akbar Mohtashamipour, a candidate who has withdrawn from legislative elections next week, speaks with media during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2004. (AP)