Bush attacks Iran’s election move

ON the eve of Iran’s presidential election, US President George W Bush has said the voting has been designed to keep power in the hands of a few rulers “through an electoral process that ignores the basic requirements of democracy”.

“Iran is ruled by men who suppress liberty at home and spread terror across the world. Power is in the hands of an unelected few who have retained power through an electoral process that ignores the basic requirements of democracy. The June 17 presidential elections are sadly consistent with this oppressive record,” Mr Bush said.

Tomorrow’s election will choose a successor to President Mohammad Khatami, who came to power in 1997 and who is barred by law from seeking a third term.