The conflicting influences of power continue in Iran. Religious reformers such as former President Mohammad Khatami have been taking a stand against the reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. They call for the holding of a referendum on the disputed election results to resolve the Iranian crisis.
According to these figures of authority that are opposing Ahmadinejad and his allegedly fraudulent reelection, ‘millions of Iranians have lost faith in the electoral process and a referendum will require a review by independent bodies.’ According to the Iranian Constitution, only the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may order the holding of a referendum.
The group also supports the call of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani for the release of political prisoners and the reauthorization of banned newspapers, to bring calm and restore the lost confidence of the Iranians. Prisoners include several members of former administrations, many reformers, and professional journalists.
The opposition candidate, Mir Hossein Moussavi, has also called for the release of political prisoners. He asks for the early release of those arrested in recent weeks. He also said that people took to the streets to defend their rights and that the arrest of even tens of thousands will not stop the wave of political upheaval and protests.
Via BBC
