Two Iranian former reformist MPs register

TEHRAN,Dec.31 (MNA)-- Mohammad Ali Kouzegar and Asgar Eslamdoust, two reformists who served as lawmakers in the 6th Majlis (2000–2004), registered for the parliamentary elections on Friday. The qualifications of the two reformers were rejected by the Guardian Council in the succeeding parliamentary elections in 2004 and 2008. Kouzegar, who was represented Shahriar in the 6th Majlis, said, “Many of the reformists avoided taking part in the elections, therefore I will contest as an independent (candidate).” He emphasized that it is against the interests of the country to boycott the elections. He referred to Article 28 of the election law as a reason for his disqualification in the previous elections and said, “My disqualification was a result of a mistake and misunderstanding.” Eslamdoust, who represented Talesh, a city in Gilan Province, in the 6th parliament, again registered for parliamentary elections. “I registered for the last two elections, but I was disqualified. The reason most probably is that I am a reformist; however, reformists do not intend to overthrow the Islamic system,” Eslamdoust stated.