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How important are the elections for Iran?
On 12 June, Iranians will be casting their vote across the country. How important are the elections for Iran's future?
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will be challenged by three contenders: Mir-Hossein Mousavi, Mehdi Karroubi, and Mohsen Rezai.
It appears that more and more Iranians, inspired in part by strong views for or against President Ahmadinejad, want to have their say on 12 June in the country that boasts that it is the most democratic in the Middle East.
The BBC's Jon Leyne in Tehran says the crowds gathering in the capital in support of rival candidates sound more like boisterous football crowds than election campaigners with young people and women seizing the chance to have their say.
How different is this election from previous ones in Iran? How will the outcome affect the nation's future? What does it mean that the election has generated so much interest in Iran?
Published:
Thursday, 11 June, 2009, 10:03 GMT
11:03 UK
All comments as they come in
Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 03:00 GMT
04:00 UK
Iran is an important country with ancient civilization. They need to work with the world and not remain cut off from world affairs. Also, the bulk of population of Iran consists of younger people, so a moderate government reflecting their aspiration is crying need of the hour. Election results confirming present status quo will be huge blow & disappointment to all Asians and world at large!
Sid
Sid, Delhi
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 02:42 GMT
03:42 UK
I wish the Iranians all the best in this election and I hope they make a choice based on democracy and reason. There is a place for faith in this world, but it is personal. I for one would like to hear from the Iranian people themselves, to know what they want, what's important to them, rather than hear from a dictator shouting slogans. Who are the Iranian people? I want to know, and be a part of the world with them.
tJB, hollywoodland USA
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 02:26 GMT
03:26 UK
The Iranian election is very important -- as long as it is transparent and not rigged. The high level of interest and participation by Iranians, plus the apparent strength of the Iranian President's oppostion are all hopeful signs.
Historically Iran has had some moderate leaders and there is a recurring press theme that, despite diferences with the U.S. government, Iranians rather like the United States. Level headed people who prefer democracy in Iran may solve their problems with the West.
Linda Svoboda, Cedar Rapids, IA USA
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 02:24 GMT
03:24 UK
The Iranian people are vastly different to your perception of them from here in the West - I have been there and found them to be warm and welcoming people who did not hate the US or West.
The people who run the country are quite different from it's everyday person on the street.
Darren, New York
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 02:20 GMT
03:20 UK
Whoever the Iranian people elect, the Iranian government should be treated with respect and courtesy. No more threats and no more bullying! No more seeking excuses for war!
Gerard Mulholland, Paris, France
Aaaaah, wasn't it the Iranian leader who threatened war ?
Respect must be earned; it doesn't automatically come with the title.
Penny, USA
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 02:07 GMT
03:07 UK
Hope the new president will not be a utter stupid guy to think of Isreal's destruction.
inteljoe, USA+canada
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 01:55 GMT
02:55 UK
This is a chance for the people of Iran to take up thier responsibily and prevent somebody who is acting like a dictator.Also it is time for a change of isolation and having alot of sanctions.I think the Iranians can open a way to dialogue rather than threating the world with missle or nuclear test.Iranian please do be confuse.Always stand for justice and speak the truth.May the spirit of God that excel all understanding flow in that country.God bless Iran.
Abraham orume, kumba, Cameroon
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 01:36 GMT
02:36 UK
Iran is a theocracy, not a democracy. Elections are not important at all in the Irans of the world.
Mark Bennett, Russellville, Kentucky, United States
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 01:30 GMT
02:30 UK
dear narguess, best of luck with today's elections.
Just last week we had elections here in Europe and only about 40% people voted, so it's pretty heartening for us to watch iranians filling up streets on TV (in fact, on every channel it seems nowadays!) and fighting for incremental change in your country. Isn't it interesting we keep considering ourselves to be mature democracies and dismissing Iran as a theocracy...
nncardoso, Lisbon, Portugal
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 01:26 GMT
02:26 UK
All this election fever is an important sign. It shows Iranians are moving towards a more democratic nation. We tend to forget that democracy isn't just a system of government, it is a culture. When people of Iran participate in election, they are aware that people SHOULD control the government. Abstention leads to unimaginable inflation and terrible foreign policy.
It does not matter whether the candidates support of the Islamic Republic. Using your right to vote is all that matters.
Omid, Vancouver
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 01:18 GMT
02:18 UK
Peace comes with a price,their people,our people,have fought long and hard.This has not happened due to words,but hard fought action over a number of years.It will make a difference.Obama doesn't think that area matters.He has belittled the efforts of military.I pray he comes to understand the changes that are taking place in the middle east.Afghanistan is important but please don't diminish the Bush Doctrine and give peace a chance.
chris, san pedro
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 01:11 GMT
02:11 UK
Irainian "checks and balances" are broken. The people may change the hood orniment, but the system denies them the chance to change the real power. Until they can find a true way to change the counsil, they are doomed.
Scott Aulan, Denver, United States
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 01:08 GMT
02:08 UK
As important as any other election, except for all the ill will and the evil intentions of United States Of Israel. All normal people just view Iran as another nation like the rest of us.
can judge
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 24:59 GMT
01:59 UK
Whatever the outcome of these elections, it is heartening to see that Iranians are deciding to become involved in the future of their country as a people, not simply as a religion. I would also like to remind many of you that Iraq was literally the balancing point between the Sunni and the Shiia. If a war starts in the Middle East, the West has a good deal of blame to shoulder. That said, I supported the war in Iraq because of the existential threat to the Israeli Jews. Everyone should pray.
Steven Hanifl, La Crosse, WI
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Added:
Friday, 12 June, 2009, 24:58 GMT
01:58 UK
The election is extremely unimportant.
The difference between conservatives and reformers is that while the conservatives scream for Israel to be wiped off the map, the reformers just think it.
Alex, Boston, USA
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