The 8th presidential election is closing in fast, while public enthusiasm is at its lowest. The reason is simple: No tangible change is in sight.

Some of the facts that support this hypothesis in the collective consciousness of the Iranian society are as follows: 1-President Khatami's reelection is quite certain. 2-The pace of reforms during President Khatami's administration has not satisfied public demand. 3-None of the serious problems of the nation has been sorted out. 4-Major issues, such as the longstanding inflationary recession, the lack of state accountability and transparency, and the growing social gap persist. 5-The chances that Khatami may win with a strong majority are slim. Judging by President Khatami's past performance and modest personality, there is no chance of him launching a significant initiative in his second term, especially with a low margin of victory.

Knowingly or not, President Khatami is personally responsible for losing his only bargaining chip, which was undoubtedly his strong public mandate. This is the inevitable consequence of the lack of transparency of his administration over the past four years.

Furthermore, during Khatami's first term in office, issues such as the dorm incident, pressure groups, political rights, etc. also did not receive due attention.

The university students that fueled his successful campaign in May 1997 are all but disillusioned and utterly disappointed. It is no secret that the students were the main losers of the so-called 2nd Khordad Front. However, the president and his allies did not step in even once to support the embattled students. Thus, the biter conclusion remains the same: the June 8th election has nothing to offer to the nation.