Keep out of election, Iran’s Khatami tells police and armed force

Khaleej Times Online:

Iran’s reformist President Mohammad Khatami called on the armed forces, police and hardline militias on Tuesday to keep out of the presidential election next month. ...

In a list of five directives aimed at ensuring “sound” elections, Khatami called on the police, the army, the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij milita to “abide by the country’s laws and refrain from any type of moves that might be interpreted as interference in any phase of the election.”

Although there has been no sign yet of direct military intervention in the poll, concerns have mounted over a militarisation of the regime -- given that four out of the six candidates approved to stand are Revolutionary Guards veterans.

Khatami also called on the intelligence ministry to assist the interior ministry, which is charge of organising the elections, in order to ensure a “healthy and sound process”. ...