The success of reformist candidates in Iran's election considerably strengthens the moves towards greater personal freedom and a more open society which began with the election of President Mohammed Khatami in 1997. It has also posed a new challenge for President Khatami's undoubted political skills.
Despite the resounding victory at the polls which will deprive the Majlis of a reactionary majority for the first time in 21 years, the task of reforming politics and redistributing power will not be easy. Traditionalist, confessional and extra-parliamentary forces control many of the power structures throughout the country. Most notably, the clerical dominance of the judiciary and the vetoing of laws considered to be in conflict with religious precepts may make it difficult for Mr Khatami to move as quickly as many would wish towards the fulfilment of his election promises.
The changes pledged by the reformers and supported by the electorate include greater individual freedom, an end to the muzzling of the media and a reduction of the clergy's influence over the manner in which citizens lead their day-to-day lives. The Iranian people have voted in much greater numbers for these changes than had been anticipated by local and international observers. Throughout the country, even in cities such as Isfahan which was previously regarded as a conservative stronghold, the advocates of reform have scored striking successes.
In a country in which the voting age is 16 and in which half of the population is under 25, there is likely to be considerable impatience for the installation of reforms. Young people eager to enjoy a modern lifestyle and women intent on achieving further advances towards a more equitable status in society have provided the impetus for change. Older, religiously-conservative males may offer strong resistance.
Despite this, reform in Iran is now certain, only the pace of its introduction is open to question. The riots and deaths that have followed the election results in some areas have sounded a warning that progress may not be smooth. Those entrenched in power over two decades are not likely instantly to relinquish the authority that has been theirs for so long.
While a measure of internal instability seems inevitable on Iran's path away from fundamentalist confessional governance, opportunities abound at international level. There is no question of Mr Khatami, himself a cleric, moving Iran totally away from an Islamic form of government. Israel will still be portrayed as an enemy state but the determination behind that type of rhetoric may diminish.
Better relations with other Muslim states within the region, which have been in the process of establishment, will be strengthened by the election result. A return to the days when Iran wished to export its revolution to neighbouring countries now seems impossible. It is even conceivable that at some time in the future there will be a resumption of diplomatic relations with the United States which ended with the seizure of the American embassy in Tehran in 1979. Already Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has described the results as testifying to the country's "growing strength of democracy."