Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's Memoirs - December 22, 1999 When the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic and all branches of government joined forces to send me to the Sixth Parliament.

The interesting point in today’s diary is how the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic and all branches of government came together to send me to the Sixth Parliament. The Parliament also passed a law allowing me to participate in the elections without resigning from my position as the Chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council.

Now, the state TV has gone all out, giving me over three hours on air to present my interview and views, including a subtle critique of the reformists. According to today’s entry, Ahmad Tavakoli and Majid Ansari rightfully protested this lack of fairness. Ansari, in particular, expressed his frustration, which is surprising and thought-provoking. The courage to document these candid reflections in the diary is something to be appreciated.

I was busy continuing my interview with Mr. [Masoud] Safiri, [Editor-in-Chief of Akhbar newspaper], about the first development plan and the formation of my first cabinet [in the Reconstruction Government], when my brother Mohammad, [Head of the Central Council of the Executives of Construction Party], came by. He consulted with me on election campaigning strategies and the candidate list for the Executives of Construction Party. He was happy with my interview yesterday and said it was strong and well-argued.

In the afternoon, Mohsen and Mehdi came. They mentioned that the Executives of Construction Party had formed a special committee to manage my candidacy in the elections, and they explained the work plan, seeking my input.

Mr. Majid Abbaspour, [Technical Advisor to the President], also visited. He said the revolutionary and Muslim public was pleased with my candidacy, feeling reassured and hopeful that I could restore the country’s past calm. He also reported on Iran’s compliance with the Chemical Weapons Disarmament Commission's requirements.

For Iftar, I hosted my office staff and their families. As usual, after the meal, I exchanged pleasantries and taqabbal Allah (a customary phrase wishing that one's deeds be accepted). I returned home afterward.

Dr. [Ali] Larijani, [Head of the National TV and Radio Organization], came over, bringing the results of an election survey, which showed that I was well ahead of the other candidates. Fa’ezeh was in second place after me. He said my [press and radio-television] interview from yesterday was strong, and it had aired in two parts—last night and tonight on TV.

It was well received by the public, but it angered my opponents. Among those who protested were Mr. Ahmad Tavakoli and Majid Ansari, [due to the prohibition on election advertisements for candidates]. I was surprised by Majid Ansari, who is a friend and also expressed his dissatisfaction.

Some sections were cut from the broadcast, leading to criticism that it had been censored. Larijani’s opinion is that centrist groups should form a united and independent election list.

In world news, the increasing death toll from the floods in Venezuela is making headlines, with casualties surpassing 50,000. Additionally, the space shuttle Discovery was launched with seven astronauts on board to repair the Hubble Telescope, and the Russian parliamentary elections show the Communist Party leading, though the coalition of right-wing and centrist parties provides a strong majority for the government.