Examining the Pattern of Political Actors’ Interaction in the Ninth Presidential Election of Iran (2005)

Azimi Dolatabadi, Amir

doi:10.22034/jsi.2026.2105272.1861

Examining the Pattern of Political Actors’ Interaction in the Ninth Presidential Election of Iran (2005)

Articles in Press

Author

Amir Azimi Dolatabadi

Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Imam Khomeini and Islamic Revolution Research Institute, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/jsi.2026.2105272.1861

Abstract

Elections, beyond selecting decision-makers and holders of political power, provide an arena for interactions among political actors. This study aims to identify the issues of contention and explain the pattern of interaction among political actors during Iran’s Ninth Presidential Election. Using a qualitative approach and content analysis of documents and newspapers, the study examines political positions and actions during the first three months of 2005. The findings show that disputes emerged at four levels: fundamental and ideological issues; power and institutional authority; institutional and functional issues; and social and cultural issues. Although competition for political power provided the main framework for electoral interactions, many disputes went beyond electoral competition and developed into political, discursive, and institutional confrontation. Accordingly, conflict was the dominant pattern of interaction. Disagreements over the goals and values of the political system and the boundaries and distribution of power were the main factors underlying this pattern.

Keywords

Election

Interaction

Conflict

Reformists

Conservatives

Subjects