Although the regime has welcomed the news but the number of people seeking elections falls far short of the original estimates. This lack of enthusiasm is even reflected in the official press. The initial forecasts were claiming something in between 700 to 1 million candidates would register. To understand why the public has shown little interest for the election is not very difficult. The repression has gone as far as threatening even some sections of the clergy.
People also feel strongly about the anti democratic nature of the electoral procedures.
The air of insecurity in the elections is also due to the fact that the executive powers overlooking the elections are dominated by the right wing reactionaries who are also the same powers behind the recent wave of repression and killings. Another factor which is seen as an important issue is the lack of clarity about the role and the extend of responsibilities given to the local councils. An issue which is of much debate in various circles. Another important issue effecting people's participation is the fact that the conservative faction has dominated the election's organising committees through out Iran. A number of deputies in the parliament, supporters of Khatamie, have complained about the powers and the domination of the election organising committees by the right wing reactionaries.