Jacob Brown
Voting is underway in Iran as the country holds its first elections since the 2022 anti-government protests.
Test of Legitimacy
Friday’s elections in Iran are regarded as a critical assessment of the country’s leadership’s legitimacy and national support. However, there are concerns about low voter turnout due to widespread apathy.
Backdrop of Unrest
Voter apathy prevails following a period of unrest sparked by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, who was detained for wearing an “improper” hijab. This incident has contributed to a lack of enthusiasm among the electorate.
Scope of Participation
With over 61.2 million eligible voters, Friday’s polls encompass two significant elections: one for the parliament and another for the Assembly of Experts.
The latter plays a crucial role in selecting and overseeing Iran’s supreme leader, who holds considerable power over key societal and economic matters.
Encouragement from Leadership
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in office for over three decades, has urged citizens to participate in the elections, emphasizing that abstention would not address any grievances.
Voting Scene
In central Tehran, scenes at polling stations like the religious institute, Hosseinieh Ershad, reflect a mix of civic duty and media spectacle.
Voters, including a newly married couple, and former MPs engage with the media amidst concerns about low turnout, particularly in Tehran.
Concerns and Early Indicators
Early indications suggest a potential record-low turnout, with Tehran especially affected by voter disengagement.
These trends underscore the challenges facing Iranian authorities in rallying public participation and reaffirming the electoral process’s credibility.
