The election campaign for the 8th presidential election is currently underway and the 10 candidates are talking to the people about their plans and programs for the future. This is quite natural for any democratic system as the electorate should become fully acquainted with the candidates before going to the polls and electing the most suitable nominee.

Although distributing posters and placards and organizing meetings and rallies are some necessary canvassing tools that are used by candidates in order to put forward their plans and policies to the people, these methods of electioneering should not be exaggerated and all candidates must avoid spending huge sums of money for their publicity campaign, as this practice is part of the Western culture and does not befit an Islamic system and values.

It must be realized that the significance attached in the West to their election campaigns are quite different from the underlying norms, values and principles of an Islamic system because they pursue divergent goals and objectives. Islamic government aims to administer justice and equity in society, promote moral values, fight corruption in all its forms and divide the national wealth among all citizens in a just and fair manner, while in the West, party politics, interest groups factional favoritism and cronyism have become accepted norms of governance.

Fortunately, most of the presidential candidates are abiding by Islamic principles and values in their election campaign. However, large amounts of money are being spent for the publicity of just a couple of candidates, Abdollah Jasbi and Mohammad Khatami. The streets of the capital are covered with the colorful posters of these two candidates, and brochures, pamphlets and color photographs on very expensive glossy paper are handed out and widely distributed.

Spending vast amounts of money in every election for self promotion has become rather a norm for Dr. Jasbi. His singular methods do not merit comment. But the case for the president is quite different. Mr. Khatami is a man of integrity and honor. It cannot be conceived that he personally would have allowed his followers to plan any political strategy and publicity which would give his opponents unfair disadvantage.

Obviously those initiating the campaign propaganda must belong to the groups and factions which purport to be the main supporters of the president. Mr. Khatami , amongst the ten candidates, is possibly the only one who is so well known in the country that he does not need self promotion through glossy photographs and pamphlets. Those who have initiated these campaign activities, through spending large sums of money perhaps with the hope of future recuperation either financially or through office have inadvertently caused Mr. Khatami quite unnecessary embarrassment. The president must order a stop to all this and similar propaganda that are in contravention of the electoral rules and regulations. There should be no doubt that those individuals or circles that are underwriting the expenses of the campaign will expect a return on their investment when Khatami takes office for a second term. In other words, they will expect certain favors and advantages from the president in the future.

President Khatami should therefore order such extravagant means of publicity in his favor to be stopped immediately in order to remove any suspicions or doubts on the part of the public that tomorrow he might be put under pressure by interested political groups to submit to the wishes or demands of those who have provided the funds for his presidential campaign.