After a year of unofficial campaigning, the official segment of Iran’s presidential election started last weekend with 886 people registering as candidates.
Next weekend, we’ll learn how many will get to run. The decision rests with the Council of Guardians, a mullah-dominated “star chamber,” with a nod and a wink from the “Supreme Guide” Ali Khamenei.
I think the council will approve 40 at most; then at least 30 of the survivors will withdraw in favor of the remaining “heavyweight” candidates. All four factions within the Khomeinist establishment will likely be allowed to have a man in the field.
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