IRAN 14 March 2008 Iran holds legislative election. Outcome seen as indicator for 2009 presidential vote 

Iranians vote for legislators for the country's 290-seat assembly. Five seats are reserved for religious minorities: Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians. Moderate politicians opposed to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad are seeking to seize control of parliament from conservatives, who now dominate the body. The outcome is likely to be seen as an indicator for the 2009 presidential vote.

Pro-reform politicians, the staunchest opponents of Ahmadinejad, had hoped to capitalize in the polls on popular discontent over Ahmadinejad's handling of the economy and surging inflation. They say the have little chance of expanding their small minority presence because of an official vetting process that has prevented many reformists from competing.

On Jan 8, according to Reuters, Ahmadinejad proposed a bigger budget for 2008-09 to parliament. He said it would promote social equality but critics fear will further stoke double-digit inflation in OPEC's second biggest producer.

Ahmadinejad's predecessor was Mohammad Khatami, who was considered a reformist.

The last legislative elections were held in Feb 2004, with a run-off in May 2004. Hardline Islamist conservatives and reformist candidates vied for control. The conservatives emerged victorious in 2004, winning 156 seats. Elections were held amid the decision to ban about 2500 candidates.

Iran is ruled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He was appointed for life in June 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic republic of Iran in 1979. Ali Khamenei holds the highest power in Iran and he appoints the head of the judiciary and military leaders. He selects six members of the Guardian Council and can veto would-be election candidates. The Council's chief ayatollah, Ahmad Jannati, a key Ahmadinejad ally, announced in Dec 2007 that the Guardian Council would again determine which candidates would be allowed to run. The announcement provoked widespread condemnation from reformists.

Former reformist president Mohammad Khatami announced that he will not run but will support the reformists.

Legislative elections in Iran will be viewed with interest in United States and the Western world. The United States criticized the 2004 legislative elections as neither free nor fair. Jan/08

STORY SUPPLIED BY NEWSAHEAD CORRESPONDENT C.BALAJI, WHO IS AVAILABLE FOR FREELANCE ASSIGNMENTS IN INDIA AND THE REGION. email: mohan balaji