The winner of the 6th presidential election, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, despite many serious problems during his tenure, was one of the most respected politicians of the Islamic Republic.

So much so that some even suggested amending the Constitution so that Rafsanjani could run for a third term in order to complete unfinished tasks. Those who were in favor faced tough opposition and the Constitution remained intact.

The 7th presidential election was held on May 23, 1997. Seyed Mohammad Khatami became president by defeating candidates backed by the current minority faction. Those who were defeated included Khatami's nearest rival, the then Majlis speaker Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri.

Some 238 candidates registered, but the Guardian Council approved only four. Mohammad Khatami received 20,078,178 votes, Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri received 7,242,850 votes, Reza Zavarei, 771,460 votes and Mohammad Mohammadi Rayshahri 742,598 votes. Total votes cast in the 7th presidential election were 29,076,007.

Experts believe that in 1997 the massive turnout by people from all walks of life indicated that the people expected that the next president would solve their problems.

The supporters of Khatami called him a "reformist" who sought to carry out his program of social and political reform within the framework of the Islamic system, but he faced opposition from the minority faction due to the activities of radical elements in his faction.

Pro-Khatami political factions formed an alliance. The alliance is called the 2nd Khordad Front, named after the day (May 23, 1997) that Khatami won a landslide election victory.

Khatami was the first president of the Islamic Republic who visited Western Europe. He visited Italy in March 1999 and delivered an address on the historical and philosophical roots of modern civilization.

He also visited the Vatican, where he met with Pope John Paul II. Analysts said the visit was successful. He has visited France, Germany, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Cuba and attended the United Nations Millennium Summit.

Most believe that he will win the election, but with less votes compared to 1997 when he promised the "rule of law" and launched the idea of "dialogue among civilizations."

In the economic sector, despite some successes, the Khatami government could not solve very many problems of the people.

If Khatami wins the 8th presidential election as expected, analysts believe that he will have a heavy work load, since the youth now want deeds and not words from the government. (Concluded) xz?A'')'lR x?=?=Some 238 candidates registered, but the Guardian Council approved only fouS:\STORE\IP204.BAKt some even suggested amending the Constitution so that Rafsanjani could run for a third term in order to complete unfinished tasks. Those who were in favor faced tough opposition and the Constitution remained intact.

The 7th presidential election was held on May 23, 1997. Seyed Mohammad Khatami became president by defeating candidates backed by the current minority faction. Those who were defeated included Khatami's nearest rival, the then Majlis speaker Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri.

Some 238 candidates registered, but the Guardian Council approved only four. Mohammad Khatami received 20,078,178 votes, Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri received 7,242,850 votes, Reza Zavarei, 771,460 votes and Mohammad Mohammadi Rayshahri 742,598 votes. Total votes cast in the 7th presidential election were 29,076,007.

Experts believe that in 1997 the massive turnout bpporters of Khatami called him a "reformist" who sought to carry out his program of social and political reform within the frame1x?=?=rity faction due to the activities of radical elements in his f votes. Total votes cast in the 7th presidential election were 29,076,007.

Experts believe that in 1997 the massive turnout bar Nateq Nouri.

Some 238 candidates registered, but the Guardian Council approved only fouS:\STORE\IP204.BAKed tough opposition and the Constitution remained intact.

The 7th presidential election was held on May 23, 1997. Seyed Mohammad Khatami became president by defeating candidates backed by the current minority faction. Those who were defeated included Khatami's nearest rival, the then Majlis speaker Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri.

Some 238 candidates registered, but the Guardian Council approved only four. Mohammad Khatami received 20,078,178 votes, Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri received 7,242,850 votes, Reza Zavarei, 771,460 votes and Mohammad Mohammadi Rayshahri 742,598 votes. Total votes cast in the 7th presidential election were 29,076,007.

Experts believe that in 1997 the massive turnout bpporters of Khatami called him a "reformist" who sought to carry out his program of social and political reform within the frame105/27/1008/15/00loptM