Iran Parliament deliberates on Ahmadinejad's cabinet

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad defended his choice of cabinet members today in Iran’s parliament hoping to get its vote of confidence. His proposed cabinet includes several new faces including three women. The parliament has already frowned upon Ahmadinejad’s choices for his lack of prior consultation with them.

The approval of the parliament is crucial since Ahmadinejad’s government is already shaky from the disputes surrounding his victory. The defeated candidates of the elections claim the result of the election was tampered with. Thousands of people protested the outcome of the elections in nationwide protests. Crackdown on the protests has caused 30 dead and thousands of arrests. The opposition puts the number of dead at 69.

Ahmadinejad is also facing resistance from within the conservative camp. His post-election moves have been interpreted as a means of monopolizing power for himself and the elite Revolutionary Guards which is his main source of support.

Ahmadinejad claimed his proposed cabinet with the three proposed female ministers was a unique combination of “competent, conscientious and sincere” individuals.

Amongst the proposed government programs, Ahmadinejad touched on protection of individual freedom, “fighting corrupt foreign networks and supporting oppressed nations.”

The list of nominees, which was given to the parliament ten days ago, will be deliberated on for three days. The proposed ministers would each get thirty minutes to present their agendas. Each presentation will be critiqued by ten members, five in favour and five against.

The make up of the cabinet was debated on today. High academic credentials and managerial experience were cited in favour of the nominees. Lack of relevant experience and apparent cronyism was cited against the line-up of the cabinet.

The parliament will cast its final vote on the proposed cabinet on Wednesday, September 2.