In theory I agree with you. But I do think that they way they have it set up for the Iranian diaspora, it's a good thing. The diaspora is huge. But not everyone who was born in Iran or who holds Iranian citizenship can vote. You have to have a valid passport (has to be renewed every 5 years) or Shinasnameh (meaning one from the IRI). Presumably this means that you have some comings and goings with the place in the last decades. I can vote. My brother and 3 of my aunts and uncles cannot vote. Only half of my cousins can vote. I think they've limited it in a good way to include people who have some interest, some ties or relationship with Iran, not just any person who is technically Iranian who wanders in the door.
Mana | 06.06.09 - 1:24 pm | #

Hi Niki!

Yup, it really sucks that in Canada, we can only vote in Ottawa. When I was a kid, there were polling stations in Toronto, Vancouver and a few other places but 97 (the year Khatami got elected the first time) there was a huge fight in Toronto - a bunch of commies got in the building and started beating the heck out of the Iranian embassies reps.

For that or some other lame excuse that was the last year voting was available outside the capital.

But I'll hopefully be driving to Ottawa on Friday
Pedestrian | Homepage | 06.07.09 - 9:53 pm | #

Hey Mana- Yeah, I guess when you put it that way it makes it a bit better.

Pedestrian- I heard a rumor that the embassy was going to pay for people's trips and that there would be buses. You may want to look into it if you dont want to drive all the way there.
Niki | Homepage | 06.08.09 - 9:14 am | #

dumb question here: Why is "Meadowlands" the background music? Isn't that Russian? What am I missing?

And best of luck on June 12! To us all!

B
Barbara Bauer | 06.08.09 - 2:11 pm | #

Barbara-

I was confused about that too. Apparently the song was used by leftists during the revolution/post-revolution days in Iran. The fact that Mousavi supporters are using leftist songs is rather odd since Mousavi was last in power with many leftists were persecuted and killed, but the song is also appealing to people's sense of a revolutionary nostalgia.
Niki | Homepage | 06.10.09 - 9:23 am | #

Hi Niki,
hope all is well.
Just wanted to read your take on Ahmadinejhad's "re-election". Hope you post something soon.
take care
Jim
Jim | 06.13.09 - 8:35 pm | #

It looks like Larijani won the election!
mitchell porter | 06.26.09 - 7:30 am | #