Iran: Next Presidential Elections on June 12, 2009

  The date for the next presidential election has been set for June 12, 2009, Deputy Interior Minister Ali Reza Afshar said on Sunday. “Based on a proposal by the Interior Ministry and the approval of the Guardians Council, the election for tenth president will be held on June 12, 2009,“ he told IRNA. Majlis by-elections would also be held on the same day. “As per the Elections Law, all candidates should resign from their executive positions six months prior to the elections.  We decided to announce the date for the presidential and Majlis mid-term elections earlier so that the contestants have enough time to resign,“ Afshar added. The powerful Guardians Council is an oversight body in charge of confirming eligibility of those seeking public office in the Islamic state and scrutinizing legislation passed by parliament to ensure that it is compatible with Islamic principles and the Constitution. Legislation passed in the 290-member elected chamber becomes law only after being endorsed by the Council that also monitors the executive process of all general elections. The June 12 vote will be the 10th of its kind since the founding of the Islamic Republic in 1979.