Iran's top leader rules out referendums on divisive issues
Iran’s supreme leader has ruled out the holding of popular referendums on state policies DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Iran’s supreme leader on Tuesday ruled out the holding of popular referendums on state policies. Iran faced calls for a referendum on the Islamic Republic itself during anti-government protests last year, and a moderate former president recently suggested such votes should be held to decide major policies as a way of reducing divisions. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say over such policies, rejected the idea when asked about it during a meeting with university students. “Where in the world is this done? Is it possible to hold a referendum for various issue s of the country?” he asked. “For any single issue , the country would be engaged in debate and arguments and polarization for six months, so that a referendum can be held on that issue .” He appeared to be referring to recent remarks by former President Hassan Rouhani, a relative modera...