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TEHRAN-Iran's conservative politicians said on Tuesday they expected to keep control of parliament in a March election, but analysts said incoming lawmakers were likely to be more critical of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.Pro-reform politicians, the staunchest opponents of the president, have been battling to make a comeback in the March polls and had hoped to capitalize on popular discontent over Ahmadinejad's handling of the economy and surging inflation.But they say their chances of expanding their small minority presence in the 290-seat parliament have been dashed by an official vetting process that has barred many of their number, particularly more prominent reformists, from running.Reformists cry foul. But conservatives, who call themselves 'principle-ists' because they back the principles of the 1979 Islamic revolution, say it will still be a competitive race."We see the election environment for March 14 as very proper and competitive.It will be a lively election," said Shahabeddin Sadr, secretary of the United Front of Principle-ists, one of the two main conservative groups.Parliament does not determine major policy on issues like Iran's disputed nuclear plans; but the vote is being watched for pointers whether Ahmadinejad, viewed with deep suspicion in the West, will be re-elected in 2009.The conservative camp includes a range of views, including longstanding political opponents of Ahmadinejad and one-time supporters in parliament who have become increasingly critical, as well as Ahmadinejad's loyal backers."The vast majority in the next parliament will be principle-ists," Alireza Zakani, a member of the United Front, told a news conference.To read more go to:
As in the days of Noah....
