By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian rival political factions and independent candidates officially began their fierce competition on Thursday for the March 14 parliament elections,official media reported.
According to Iranian interior ministry’s figures, about 4,500 candidates have been cleared to compete for the 290-seat legislature.
Iran’s state-run Press TV channel reported that the campaign has become more competitive as the Guardian Council approved more reformist candidates for the parliament.
The campaign will continue until 24 hours before the election date on March 14, Press TV reported.
Iran’s leaders have called for a high turnout in the elections to show Western countries that the Islamic Republic is unified at a time of mounting tensions over its disputed nuclear program.
“All should strive for unity and solidarity and make the elections another page of honor for the country and the Islamic establishment,” Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told reporters after a cabinet session on Wednesday.
He said no one in the government has the right to interfere in the elections.
“We will provide necessary facilities so that people will takepart in the elections easily and with peace,” Ahmadinejad said,adding that parties and groups too should move in the same direction and present their program and speak with the public transparently.