For me, it is not important whether Ali Motahari approves or disqualifies me, or whether I am on the list or not.
Ali Motahari, in an interview with Jahan News, explained the reason for his candidacy in the current election period: ‘I wasn’t eager to run, but old representatives who were in the same term as me contacted me, and others suggested that I should join them, as it might have an impact on participation. So, we may form a list and wanted you to be part of it.’
He added, ‘I was really hesitant, but eventually I decided to run. Now, it doesn’t matter if they disqualify me. We came here to fulfill our duty, which might have some influence on people’s participation. We have no complaints now.’
Motahari commented on the level of participation in the elections, saying, ‘People are generally dissatisfied due to high prices and the difficulties they face in managing their lives. If the government could have done something in these past few months to show that it has somehow controlled inflation and prevented prices from rising excessively, people would have had some hope and their participation in the elections would have been influential.’
Regarding being on the list by the moderate and reformist spectrum, Motahari said, ‘In general, it has never been important to me which list I am on in any election period. Usually, they would choose for me.’