0700 GMT: Elections Watch. And now the ritual photograph of the Supreme Leader casting his vote today:
0655 GMT: Elections Watch. The Guardian Council puts out a statement --- for whom is the interesting question --- that the Council and the Council alone has the right to supervise today's elections.
0550 GMT: Today is the second round of the Parliamentary election, with the final 65 of the Majlis' 290 seats to be decided among 130 candidates across 33 constituencies. The largest contest will be in Tehran, with 25 of the capital's 30 MPs still to be determined.
In contrast to the first round on 2 March, when there was attention to both the turnout and the battle within the establishment for dominance, there is likely to be little drama. That initial ballot produced a muddled Parliament, with no faction taking control. Today will be unlikely to change the situation, meaning that the Supreme Leader --- who can be assured that the Majlis will not be a significant force to check his authority, even if it wanted to do so --- will be the victor.
As for the question of legitimacy, that will probably conclude today in a shrug of the shoulders. The regime put up the nominal figure of 64% turnout in the first round, a number which --- from a range of other sources, including some within the establishment --- was more likely to be under 40%. However, it could also claim notable psychological wins, such as the reformist former President Mohammad Khatami casting a vote.
Amidst widespread passivity and resignation over Iranian politics, especially given the economic situation, the issue of participation is likely to raise little interest, apart from the ritual declaration of officials --- with whichever number they decide is appropriate --- of a great victory of the Islamic Republic against its foes.
Posted via email from lissping
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