Presidential elections were held. The elections were rigged, with Islamic conservatives deciding who could run for president. Only those who are trusted to support continued clerical control of the government could be candidates, so it's basically a choice of which Islamic conservative you want as president. Despite that, several of the candidates  promised improved relations with the outside world (including the United States), economic reforms and less restrictive lifestyle rules (currently enforced by very conservative interpretation of Islamic customs.) The Islamic conservatives have the support of only about a quarter of the population, and the majority is getting