Some 550 candidates who were cleared to run for Iran's parliamentary election have refused to stand because of the massive vetting of candidates by a conservative watchdog, a newspaper reported on Saturday.
Reformists have predicted Iran's February 20 parliamentary poll will be a "sham" and a "bloodless coup" after the 12-man Guardian Council, a conservative group, banned so many aspiring parliamentarians.
"Up until now 550 candidates have withdrawn from the election," said the reformist Yas-e No newspaper, quoting the interior ministry.
The Guardian Council disqualified more than 2,500 of the 8,200 aspiring candidates, mainly reformist allies of President Mohammad Khatami.