He received 8 out of 15 votes of the council. He was reelected for a second term on 2007 after receiving 12 votes with no opponent. The record abstention was partly over the disqualification of many moderate and reformist candidates by the Guardian Council, a watchdog dominated by ultra-conservatives. An alliance of “principalists” — or conservatives — and ultra-conservatives swept the election in the absence of any challenge from the reformist side.
The parliament, which shapes debate in homeland, had been closed for six weeks until April 7 as part of measures aiming to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. In speeches and interviews, Ghalibaf consistently stresses a vision of “strong government, efficient management, and Islamic justice.” He envisions Iran as a powerful, self-reliant nation that leverages science, technology, and youth energy to overcome sanctions and international isolation.
