TEHRAN - Iran’s Expediency Council has forbidden the involvement of armed forces in national elections.
"Members of armed forces, including army, Sepah [the IRGC], the law enforcement, Basij [volunteer forces], and security and intelligence systems, are not allowed to participate in political fronts or support any certain nominees in elections,” the council said on Saturday, according to IRNA.
The Expediency Council is a body tasked to resolve differences or conflicts between the parliament and the Guardian Council.
Iran will hold parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections simultaneously next year.
The Expediency Council called on qualified people to contest elections. It also urged potential nominees to maintain fair and competitive campaigns and encourage massive turnout.
It also added that potential candidates should be responsible, law-obedient, and respectful of the country’s electoral laws and regulations.