Azerbaijan, Baku /corr. Trend D.Khatinoglu / The Government of Iran imposed a ban on the participation of large reformatory parties of the country in the parliamentary elections. In addition, the number of lawsuits against the heads of political parties has increased. "The Government intends to liquidate the political parties operating in the country," the Iranian politician Isa Saxarxiz said.
On the eve of the parliamentary elections in Iran, a ban has been imposed on the participation of Nehzet-azadi, Milli-Mezhebi and other parties in the elections. The members of the Executive Board of Mushariket Party, Hadi Qabel and Mahmoud Dordkeshan, were arrested last month. Accusations were made against activists of other parties. Some 585 well-known social-political figures made a statement on 24 September in Tehran to protest against repression towards Mushariket.
Saxarxiz said in an interview with Trend from Tehran that a meeting took place to protest against repression of reformatory and opposition parties and statements were made. Despite this, the Government decisively intends to liquidate other parties by the 8th parliamentary elections.
"The ruling party is preparing not only for the parliamentary elections, but also for the upcoming presidential elections," the politician said.
"Arresting the representatives of the parties is aimed at weakening the rivals," the politician said.
Saxarxiz stressed that the Supreme Control Council of Iran (Nigahban) has the right to forbid the parties, against which lawsuits have been filed, to participate in the elections. The Government hopes exactly this by arresting party representatives on a massive scale.
"The accusations against the Iranian parties are groundless. A large part of the parties' complaints on the activity of the Government is not considered. However, the members of the opposition parties are brought to court easily," he said.
According to the politician, the combination of the reformatory and opposition parties showed positive results in the elections for city councils. According to forecasts, the reformatories may take 60-70 percent of the seats in the next parliament. Everything depends on whether they will be permitted to attend the elections, Saxarxiz said.