TEHRAN Despite the relatively cold atmosphere prevailing over the campaigns, the 8th presidential election has so far been the smoothest election in the post-revolutionary era. The most impressive improvements notable in the preelection campaigns are as follows:

1. All candidates have remained faithful to the principle of calm and order in their campaigns.

2. An obvious reduction of extravagant means of promotion is also visible in the preelection period. The valuable efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) are worthy of praise in this regard.

3. Political debates are conducted in a mature and intellectual manner rather than the heated arguments that we witnessed in previous elections. This degree of political maturity is exercised by the political elite and the general public alike.

The exceptionally prudent and sensible reactions of the student movement in this round of elections are also a clear sign of the enhanced political understanding which exists in Iran's universities. The most obvious example of this prudence was demonstrated in the latest statement issued by the Office for Consolidation of Unity (OCU). In this statement, the OCU wisely denied its participation in President Mohammad Khatami's promotional rally which was held in Tehran's Shiroudi Stadium yesterday.

It should be noted that some minor self-proclaimed dissident organizations intended to make a publicity scam out of the event which was foiled by the timely reaction of OCU.