Khatami Challenges Ban of Reformist Candidates in Iran

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A POLITICAL crisis is brewing in Iran after hundreds of reformist candidates were barred from standing in next month's elections.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting yesterday, the President, Mohammad Khatami, said he would legally challenge the decision by the unelected Guardian Council to bar more than half the reformist candidates from competing in the poll. Reformists, who currently dominate the parliament, are now considering boycotting the poll to protest against the disqualifications.

"If the situation continues, the conditions for voting will not exist, people will not be prepared to vote and naturally we are heading in the direction of a national election …