The contemporary reform movement in Iran came into being when Mohammad Khatami won the 1997 election with a landslide victory over his pro-conservative candidate, Ali Akbar Nateq Nuri. Khatami's victory created a political, social and cultural dynamic within the country, unseen since 1981. As a result, hope for political reform and greater democracy was generated within society. The politics of reform increased political participation in several elections, activated the political movements and gave Iran's weak civil society a chance to revitalise itself The latent potential for in the three areas found vigorous expression during the two terms of Khatami's presidency.