Iran Allows Women to Run for Office
22 January 2005
by Anai Rhoads
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AnaiRhoads.org - Iran's 25-year long
interpretation of the word "rijal" (thought to mean "man") in their
constitution, which only allows men to run for office, has finally come to an
end.
The Guardian Council had rejected women from running solely based on the
wording, but announced Saturday that women will now be able to run for office
in the June 2005 elections.
The country's state-operated television was buzzing with news as women
rejoiced. However, both men and women who are hoping to run are aware of the
task ahead. Iran seeks to find a way to show that their nuclear programme isn't
a threat, and with current U.S. demands to end the programme, this may prove
difficult.
According to the country's constitution, Reformist President Mohammad Khatami
cannot run for a third term. The Guardian Council's announcement comes in time
for the new 17 June elections.
Update:
The decision to allow women to vote in the upcoming June elections was later retracted by the Guardian Council late on 22/01/05.
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