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By Leigh Catherine Miles
Editor, Iran Election Bulletin

Dear Reader,

In the final days before the June 12 Iranian presidential election, the level of debate among candidates and their supporters has been unprecedented.  The candidates faced off in nationally televised debates that saw heated exchanges on the economy, foreign policy and the overall direction of the country that crossed many of Iran’s political redlines.   And thousands of supporters of the two main contenders – incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and reformist Mir-Hossein Mousavi – took to the streets in Tehran. 

On the eve of the election, the excitement among the electorate is evident, with many projecting a record voter turnout.  However, underlying the excitement, particularly among reformists, is the fear that forces behind the scenes are organizing to manipulate or influence the outcome of the election.

This edition of the Iran Election Bulletin examines one of the groups that has been accused of manipulating past elections – the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the basij militia that fall under its purview.  Alleged to have had a hand in determining the outcome of the 2005 presidential election, the role the IRGC should play in this year’s election is being hotly debated among Iran’s political and military elite.  The Bulletin looks at how the debate, as well as the divisions within the IRGC and basij, may impact their ability to influence this election.

I hope you enjoy this edition and welcome you to email me with any comments.

Sincerely,
Leigh Catherine Miles
Editor

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Published on June 11, 2009