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NDI

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

April 10, 2009 — Vol. 1, Issue 4

A man making bread in an Iranian bakery

The Iran Election Bulletin is a biweekly publication covering domestic political and election issues in Iran in the lead-up to the June 12 presidential election.

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April 10, 2009

Volume 1, Issue 4
Leigh Catherine Miles, Editor | Geneive Abdo, Iran analyst
 

The Century Foundation

The Iran Election Bulletin is a joint publication of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Century Foundation.

Feature Articles

Ahmadinejad Adopts New Strategy on Campaign Trail

Known as an agenda-setter and independent-minded politician, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahamdinejad has crafted a new strategy to counteract criticism. While a shift in tack is not unusual given the volatile and unpredictable world of Iranian politics, Ahmadinejad appears to be taking his cues directly from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. | Read more »

Assessing Ahmadinejad’s Presidency

Nearing the end of his term, President Ahmadinejad continues to face criticism over his political, economic and social agendas. In the past four years, his policies have increased dissatisfaction among segments of Iranian society and members of the ruling establishment. As a result, Ahmadinejad's support base has become increasingly fragile. | Read more »

Voices from Iran

These stories are on-the-ground analyses and perspectives written by Iranian journalists.

Iranian Voters Hungry for Economic Policies, Not Slogans

During the Iranian Islamic Revolution, the fair distribution of wealth was the most prominent slogan that created hope in the hearts of many Iranians. But that hope has slowly faded away. | Read more »

Seen & Heard: Analysis of Recent Media Coverage in Iran

Seen and Heard: April 10

Highlights from election-related stories in the Iranian press. | Read more »

Background

Letter from the Editor

A note on this week’s issue of the Bulletin| Read more »

Background Brief: The State of Iran’s Economy

Given Iran’s vast oil and natural gas resources, the Islamic Republic should be a very wealthy country. However, while Iran’s poverty rate is relatively low, estimates of the inflation rate range from 23 to 30 percent, factories operate below capacity, major cities have rolling power blackouts and real estate prices have tripled. | Read more »

Presidential Front Runners

Biographical information about the leading candidates in the 2009 election. | Read more »

Diagram: The Balance of Power

A visual depiction of the structure of the Iranian leadership, illustrating the lines of authority among the Republic’s elected and unelected officials. (Will open in new window.) | Read more »

election timeline

2009 Election Timeline

A graphical guide to how the electoral process in Iran will unfold. (Will open in new window.) | View timeline »

Who’s In, Who’s Out, Who’s On the Fence

[updated] Information on candidates, potential candidates and notable noncandidates in the 2009 election. (Will open in new window.) | Read more »

Past Editions

Printable Version

A compilation of the articles from this issue of the Bulletin| View printable version »

Pictured above: A man prepares bread in a bakery in Massouleh, Iran. Photo courtesy of Flickr user IndigoPrime.