BRUSSELS, 24 February 2004 — The European Union expressed deep regret yesterday over the “flawed” Iranian election which handed victory to religious conservatives, a poll marred by the banning of reformists and a record low turnout.

EU foreign ministers called the election a “setback for democracy” in the country, with which Europe has promoted constructive engagement in the teeth of US demands that Tehran be isolated as part of an “axis of evil.”

The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said the elections could affect Iran’s ties with the EU, while one minister said they created a “new environment.”

In a statement, the EU ministers recalled Iran’s progress in boosting political freedom over the last 10 years, and that in elections four years ago “the Iranian people clearly showed their desire for further reform.”

But at the same time, the minister voiced “deep regret and disappointment that large numbers of candidates were prevented from standing in this year’s parliamentary elections, thus making a genuine democratic choice by the Iranian people impossible.

“This interference was a setback for the democratic process in Iran,” it added, saying the EU “expressed the hope that Iran will return to the path of reform and democratization.”

The EU has been pursuing a twin-track dialogue with Iran based on trade and human rights issues. But the talks have been on hold since June because of EU concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

In Tehran, the Interior Ministry said counting was complete in all but three of Iran’s 207 electoral districts, many of which return more than one deputy to the new Parliament, which will take office at the end of May.

Of 198 seats allocated in the 290-member chamber, only around 40 went to reformists. The pro-reform camp had been able to contest just over half of the seats up for grabs.

At least 125 seats were won by known hard-liners, conservatives or so-called centrists, with the rest going to those campaigning on an independent ticket, as many other right-wingers have chosen to do. Five seats are reserved for religious minorities.

In addition, preliminary results put the main conservative bloc — the Builders of an Islamic Iran — on track to win all 30 of Tehran’s seats.