IRAN: Iranians prepare for parliamentary election with economic issues high on the agenda

Record ID: 313553

  • Title: IRAN: Iranians prepare for parliamentary election with economic issues high on the agenda
  • Date: 10th March 2008
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) SHOPKEEPER WORKING IN BAZAAR ABDOLREZA AHMADI SAYING: "The representatives must pay attention to people's situation. A representative represents the people; first of all he must know about people's situation and problems then he has to move toward solving those problems."
  • Embargoed: 25th March 2008 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Economic News,Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA429A5B29IJSBH5DR2RE7WY5L9
  • Story Text: Iranians go to the polls this week in an election that could indicate how popular President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is.
    In eleven days time Iran celebrates the New Year (March 21).
    Before then there is an election (March 14), and the result could determine how Iran's new year pans out.
    There are few better places to judge the mood of a nation than on the streets and in the shopping centres.
    Many people go to the Bazaar in south Tehran to buy gifts for the New Year.
    Here they gossip about Iran's future and the politics of the day.
    Friday's election is the 8th parliamentary election since the Islamic revolution in 1979.
    Some voters say the politicians must pay attention to people's economic problems. Inflation is rising and Iranians are looking for action.
    Politicians must fulfill their promises, says one Tehran shopkeeper.
    Another says participating in the election is an Iranian duty.
    Interior Minister Mostafa Pourmand says 4500 candidates are qualified to run.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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