Analysis that suggested reformists and centrists had won the battle but maybe not the war in Iran’s Q1 16 elections was confirmed when 90-year-old Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, was elected to lead the Majles-e Khobregan (Assembly of Experts) on 24 May. He beat centrist Ayatollah Ebrahim Amini and conservative Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi. Local media reported that Jannati was re-elected by 51 of the assembly’s 88 members. The conservative cleric has chaired the Guardian Council since 1992; having been appointed by the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in February 1980.
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