Ex-VP: Reformists Seek Majority In Parliamentary Vote

Tehran, Sept 10, IRNA - Prominent reformist Mohammad Reza Aref said on Tuesday that the reformists’ primary objective is to gain the upper hand in the next parliamentary elections. Aref told IRNA that the formation of the next parliament should change in favor of the youth and women. The veteran politician, who served as first vice president under Mohammad Khatami, added that he and his team are drawing up strategies to win the polls. The 63-year-old is said to be eyeing the position of speaker in the parliamentary vote which is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2016. Earlier, Vice Majlis Speaker Mohammad Reza Bahonar raised the alarm about a possible victory of reformists in the elections. Bahonar said that if the reformists take the upper hand in the legislative chamber, they will create problems for the Islamic establishment. The senior legislator added that he will spare no effort to bring all conservative parties together in order to notch up victory against the reformist camp./end