In 2009, Iranian opposition groups accused Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of changing the results of presidential election. In the same year, massive protests organized in Iran which left tens of demonstrators and security officers killed and injured.
Head of IRGC Public Relations Department Brigadier General Ramezan Sharif said on Wednesday that IRGC will not intervene in upcoming Islamic Republic’s presidential election. According to the guidelines of Iran’s lat Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, military forces should not declare support for any political parties during elections.
“I ask all the members of IRGC to avoid from commenting on presidential candidates. However, the forces must be ready to cope with any probable protests emerging after the elections.” Brigadier General Ramezan Sharif warned about the upcoming demonstrations in country. During the recent months, several politicians and analysts have warned about the same problems.
“IRGC is only responsible for controlling the election system and providing security for Interior Ministry’s agents during the election times.” General Ramezan Sharif added.
“Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps had always respected to the votes of Iranian nationals. We will do our best to guard their votes in coming election.” Ramezan Sharif concluded.
The eleventh election of the President of Iran is scheduled to be held on Friday, 14 June 2013. Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei are two prominent nominees for 2013 election. It is noteworthy that the election will take place on the same day as local council elections.