Iran’s leadership faces a crucial test in Friday’s elections, with more than 61.2 million eligible voters yet anticipated low turnout due to widespread voter apathy. This sentiment follows unrest triggered by the death of a young woman detained over hijab violations. The elections will decide the next parliament members and the Assembly of Experts, which oversees the supreme leader’s selection, a role currently held by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for over three decades.
Despite efforts by state media to boost voter engagement and Khamenei’s call for participation, projections suggest a mere 41% turnout for the parliamentary elections, potentially the lowest in twelve cycles. The disillusionment stems largely from the 2022 mass protests over Mahsa Amini’s death in custody and the subsequent severe crackdown on dissenters, leading to deaths, injuries, and controversial imprisonments.
The political landscape is marked by repression and public dissatisfaction, with a record 15,200 candidates approved for parliamentary elections, yet only 30 from the reformist camp, highlighting the elections’ perceived lack of competitiveness and fairness. The U.S. has echoed concerns over the elections’ credibility, critiquing Iran’s undemocratic systems. Polls, opening at 08:00 local time, may extend beyond their scheduled 10 hours, continuing past practices to accommodate late voters.
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