🔻 Continued postponement of city council elections in Iran; Interior Minister: Holding these elections requires approval from the Supreme National Security Council

Eskandar Momeni, the Minister of Interior, said that holding city council elections depends on the view of the Supreme National Security Council.

He said that since the Supreme National Security Council had a decision and the elections were delayed, holding the elections depends on this council.

These elections were supposed to be held on 11 Ordibehesht, but at the time it was said that, considering concerns about creating a “polarized and divisive” atmosphere, they would be postponed.

The postponement of city council elections was met with many criticisms.

Alireza Zendiyan, a member of parliament, had criticized the Supreme National Security Council’s decision to extend the activities of the sixth term of city councils, saying, “No one except parliament can make a decision on this matter.”

Mousavi Lari, the Minister of Interior in the government of Mohammad Khatami, had also said, “Continuing the unlawful activities of the councils is a dangerous precedent.”

Mohammad Saleh Jowkar, head of the central board of oversight of city council elections, earlier this Ordibehesht had said, “Considering that the election environment is inherently competitive and may lead to disagreements and a polarized atmosphere, it was decided that the elections be postponed so that the country can focus on managing wartime conditions and preserving national unity.”

He now, in an interview with ISNA, said that the central board of oversight of city council elections, in coordination with the Election Headquarters, has submitted the proposed date of 24 Mehr for holding the elections to the Supreme National Security Council.