Iranian MPs Quit over Election Row

01/02/2004| IslamWeb

Almost half of the Iranian parliament has quit over a hardline watchdog's decision to bar hundreds of reformist candidates from elections due to take place in the country in less than three weeks time. The resignation of 117 out of 290 MPs makes it almost impossible for the legislature to function, and marks a significant escalation in Iran's worst political crisis for years. It began with the Guardian Council - an unelected body of 12 clerics and Shiite jurists - barring almost half the 8,000 potential candidates from the general election. Reformist President Mohammed Khatami has been trying to negotiate a solution to the crisis. But the resignations indicate many of his allies doubt talks alone will be enough. One reformist described the Guardian Council as wanting "to cover the ugly body of dictatorship with the beautiful dress of democracy." **PHOTO CAPTION*** Iranian President Mohammad Khatami listens to a speaker during the inauguration of the Imam Khomeini International Airport, 20 kilometers (12 miles) southwest of Tehran, Febuary 1, 2004. (REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi)