Despite longstanding claims of operating as a republic championing free elections and enthusiastic public participation, the reality paints a starkly different picture. For over four decades, the regime’s officials and media have consistently used phrases like ‘passionate elections,’ ‘passionate march,’ and ‘passionate presence and participation.’ However, these claims increasingly ring hollow, especially as the country approaches its parliamentary elections.
The upcoming elections have underscored a troubling trend: a significant decline in public participation. This decline is so pronounced that even the regime’s loyal media outlets, such as Kayhan, can no longer credibly describe the elections as ‘passionate.’ Kayhan, which once advocated for the removal of reformists from the political arena, has now shifted its stance. In a recent article, it urged the so-called reformists to participate in the March elections, warning that their political survival depends on distancing themselves from radicals.
This shift in narrative reveals a deeper concern among the regime’s rulers about the legitimacy of both the parliamentary elections and the elections of the Assembly of Experts. A report by Amwaj Media on December 7 highlighted these worries, citing the latest polls and analyses. For instance, a survey conducted by the Iranian Students’ Opinion Center revealed that only 27.9% of respondents intend to participate in the upcoming elections. This alarming figure is compounded by 36% declaring no intention to vote and nearly 22% still undecided.
Abbas Abdi, a prominent analyst, suggests that actual participation might be even lower, especially in Tehran, which holds the largest number of parliamentary seats. The regime faced a similar challenge of low public engagement during the 2018 parliament elections. At that time, officials attributed the poor turnout to the Coronavirus pandemic, an excuse that is no longer tenable.
The regime’s emphasis on achieving favorable election outcomes often involves controversial methods like disqualification and governmental purification. However, public participation remains a critical element for the regime, serving as a legitimizing factor for its governance.
Ali Khamenei’s insistence on the regime’s democratic nature stands in stark contrast to his rejection of proposed reforms. Clerics close to the regime, like Mohammad Yazdi and Kazem Sediqi, have gone so far as to assert that the Islamic Republic’s leadership is divinely appointed, further alienating the populace.
As the regime grapples with this growing legitimacy crisis, its future strategies remain uncertain, though they are likely to be rooted in jurisprudence. The challenge lies in bridging the widening gap between the regime and its people, a task that becomes increasingly daunting with each passing election.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
