No. The candidates are from different parties. It's a "vetting council" above the parties, approving or disapproving the candidates.

Not that I would want that system at all mind you, but as I understand it, within the confines of that system, elections have in the past been more or less free.

Yeah - and it's nearly as obvious as possible, from the evidence I've seen, that the election was rigged . . . and not only that, but almost no effort was made to hide it.

In that sense, the elections are far from "democratic" in this instance - the winner was literally predetermined.

Right.

The more I think about it, the more I almost appreciate the sheer audacity of the thing . . . like, "We'll just weather a few weeks of student protests, send out our not-so-secret militia to beat some asses, and everything will be all good in the end."

Interesting concept and thought. Now, it seems that the USA is getting blamed for the the marches of the Iranian people who are maybe getting fed up with the Mullahs. They the mullahs seem to be understanding the situation and that then brings up the question, did they really rig the election? If that could be proven would the people stand for it. A clay footed base seems to be starting to be eroded. What did a few good men do to the British in the colonies?

Looks like the citizens of Iran are not backing down from the little news that is coming out of the country. Guess they are getting really fed up and are going to fight The Supreme Leader. Amazing to see the women getting into the middle of it. I see from some of the Cell Phone shots that a few are down with the anti election results. This could be one of the biggest changes in the Middle East.

Okay, this makes me sound like a dumbass, but I am a dumb ass, so whatever.

Everytime I hear/read the phrase "supreme leader" I can't help but think of "fearless leader" from the Rocky and Bullwinkle show.

You're not the only one. :D

ETA: And whenever I hear "Guardian Council," all I can think of is the Jedi Council.

Sounds like from the news that is leaking out of Iran that the people are getting fed up with the Supreme Leader BS.They do not seem to want to let it go and who can blame them?
RU OX Alum, that is funny but who knows how true?
I love how some GOPers are saying The President should get more into the fray of another Countrys business. As a Republican, all I have to say is shut the f up. We do not need to be the ones who bring lighting and thunder down on another county! We have to much on our plate being the leaders of the free world. Republicans, you are looking more like asses than the Democrates! Water will find itsd own level as it will there. There are more civilians than military or police. Will be interesting to watch with out America getting involved.