IRAN: NAME OF MAJLIS ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES IN ESFAHAN TO BE ANNOUNCED TODAY

Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Esfahan Provincial TV
March 5 2008
Iran

In Esfahan Province there are 16 candidates competing over each seat
to enter the Majlis. The head of the [elections]supervision of the
Guardian Council in Esfahan [Mohammad Reza Akrami], has confirmed
the eligibility of 60 per cent ofthe candidates [in Esfahan Province]
for the eighth round of the Majlis elections.

He added: "Considering the eligibility conditions, there has been
a good competition for all the parties andindividuals [candidates]
in all the constituencies in Esfahan Province in such a manner that
on average there would be16 people competing over each seat. The
highest rate of competition has been in Kashan, where there would be
28 peoplecompeting over each seat. And the least [rate of competition]
has been among the Armenians [Christian minority in Iran] in south of
Esfahan, where all the people who had participated have been announced
eligible. This means that 100 percent of them are eligible.

There are three people [among Armenians of south Esfahan] who are
competing. In centre of theprovince, that is the town of Esfahan,
there would be 22 people competing over each seat.

"As our dear countrymen are aware, overall 20 representatives can be
elected to enter the Majlis, one personfrom the Armenians of southern
Iran [southern Esfahan] and 19 people from Esfahan Province. There
would be five peoplefrom the town of Esfahan and 14 people from other
towns in the province.

>From today, which is 15 Esfand [5 March], the names of the candidates
will be announced completely. This means thattoday is the last day to
announce the names of the elections’ candidates who are eligible and
qualified. From theend of today, that is 12 midnight, the beginning of
16 Esfand these people can start their permitted election campaigns
until 24 hours before the polling. That is possibly until 0800 in
the morning on Thursday 23 Esfand. Until this timethey will have the
change to run their election campaigns."