The
recent parody of presidential election in Zimbabwe has caused disgust and disappointment
in the world. Mugabe's fiasco has
initiated the United Nations to intervene and condemn this sham.
If
Mugabe had followed the Iranian regime's model of "democracy," his
sham would have never been condemned by the UN; on the contrary, his regime
could have been praised and respected.
The
recipe is easy and simple. Instead of becoming a presidential candidate, Mugabe
could seat himself as the life term Supreme Leader. He then has to install a
Council of Guardians to choose a few suitable presidential candidates with a solid
record of obedience. By doing so, there would be no risk that one of the
candidates would take refuge in a foreign embassy. As "democratic" elections take place every few years, the
lucky winners of these presidential games could take turn in morphing into a moderate,
reformist, pragmatist, radical, or realist. The democracy kit is not complete
yet. Mugabe could fill the parliaments
with the same kind of friends (moderates, reformists …). At the end, the
Supreme Leader could make it clear to everyone that even such friendly
president and parliament would have no authority and if by accident or excess
of confidence they overextend their responsibilities, the Council of Guardians has
the power to intervene and guarantee the safety of the Republic. This form of democracy is called
Velayat-e-Faghih.
Once
this democratic package is ready, Mugabe could turn to the Mullahs' lobby in
Washington and, together with friendly Americans, he could sell the package as
an example of good governance and citizens' respect, an indigenous democracy
that is fit with all aspects of religion, theology, social, and cultural
values. A model that many nations could
eventually follow. If you think these
comments are silly or exaggerated, let's have a look at some comments by the
most respected Iran-experts:
Robin Wright, the senior journalist of Washington Post, has been
amazed by the impact of Iranian democracy around the world:
“The (2000 parliamentary) election may also have marked the
onset of recovery — a revolution’s
third and final phase”.[2]
“Like the world around it, Iran is still
undergoing a profound transformation… Gradually, the government of God is being
forced to cede to secular statecraft -- and to empower Iranians. In the
process, Iran has begun contributing to the spread of public empowerment around
the world.”[3]
Ambassador Robert H. Pelletreau: "There are many who find the
Iranian electoral system imperfect, especially the vetting role of the Council
of Guardians, but we should also recognize the elements of democracy which are
present: choice among candidates, public debate over programs and positions,
and the secret ballot. Americans should respect the results, whatever they are,
and not rush to draw superficial conclusions".
[1]
Suzanne Maloney (Brookings
Institution): "Iran has been a functioning democracy -
albeit very limited - since the revolution in 1979. There have been something
along the lines of 21 national elections in 22 years, and they have taken place
even at times of great tension." (Brookings Institution, June 11, 2001)
Graham Fuller: "In reality, Iran has a freer and more
outspoken democratic parliament and press than most of the Arab countries. It
has more women in parliament than does the United States." (There were 11 women deputies in Iran
in 1998) Middle East Policy Council,
October 1998
Ray Takeyh (senior expert at CFR): "Iran's
Islamic polity largely reflects fundamental features of democracy: free
elections, separation of powers, freedom of assembly and a vibrant press."
(MEPC October 2000)
Suzanne Maloney: "The February elections (2000)
provide powerful evidence that the system is evolving in an irreversibly
democratic fashion." (Middle East Policy, June 2000)
A question remains unanswered. How is
it that the Mugabe's election mockery is condemned as a sham and, at the same
time, the Mullahs' masquerade in Iran is sold as an example of democracy?
Many believe that the answer is OIL.
Notes:
1- Ambassador Robert H.
Pelletreau, Remarks to the American-Iranian Council-Iranian Trade Association.
February 4, 2000, Washington DC
2- Wright, R., The Last Great Revolution. The Journal
of The International Institute (http://www.umich.edu/~iinet/journal/vol8no1/Wright.htm).
3- Wright, R., Iran's New Revolution, in Foreign Affairs (http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20000101faessay10/robin-wright/iran-s-new-revolution.html). January/February 2000.