Iranian Youth Disillusioned with Upcoming Elections
The upcoming Iranian presidential elections have stirred significant discontent among the youth, particularly first-time voters like Mehdi, an 18-year-old high school student from Shiraz. Mehdi, reflecting the sentiments of many of his peers, has decided not to participate in the elections, viewing them as a 'sham' and undemocratic. The disillusionment stems from the bloody repression of protests following the death of Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022, due to a poorly worn veil. Mehdi and his friends believe that voting would only serve to legitimize a regime they deeply distrust.
Election Propaganda and Candidate Withdrawals
The election propaganda period in Iran lasted 16 days, concluding at 8 AM on Thursday. With the end of propaganda, the country has entered a period of electoral silence, with polling stations set to open after 24 hours. Approximately 61 million citizens are eligible to vote to elect a new president, succeeding the late Ibrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash on May 19. The Guardian Council approved six candidates, but recent withdrawals have narrowed the field to four: three conservatives and one reformist. Observers expect the competition to be fierce, with the main contenders being Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf, former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, and reformist Masoud Pezeshkian.
- Mehdi's refusal to vote is emblematic of a broader sense of disenfranchisement among Iranian youth. Many young voters feel that the preselection of candidates by the Guardian Council renders the election undemocratic and meaningless.
- The National Election Commission has urged all candidates and political circles to cease promotional activities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining electoral silence. This move aims to ensure a fair and orderly voting process.
- The withdrawal of conservative candidates Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi and Tehran Mayor Ali Reza Zakani has reshaped the electoral landscape. Hashemi's withdrawal, in particular, was framed as an effort to unify the conservative front, highlighting the strategic maneuvering within the political factions.
