Concerns are mounting over a potential mass boycott, which threatens to embarrass the government on a global stage. The regime has activated its extensive propaganda machinery in a desperate bid to avert what seems to be an inevitable humiliating outcome. Officials from various factions, previously marginalized by Khamenei, are now unifying their efforts to uphold the mullahs’ rule.
Despite their political ostracization, they persistently propagate the narrative of solidarity, metaphorically urging citizens to “plug the holes” of a sinking ship.
A significant tactic employed by the regime is orchestrating so-called debates. Ostensibly critical of the regime’s policies, these debates serve a dual purpose. First, they provide a platform to purge political rivals. More crucially, however, they reinforce the regime’s “red line” – the People’s Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK), a group advocating for regime change.
An example of the regime’s disingenuous tactics surfaced in a video published by the state-run Didar website. The video features a debate with Mehdi Nasiri, a journalist and religious researcher with ties to the Keyhan newspaper, known for its hardline stance. Nasiri’s comments in the debate are telling.
He questions the democratic nature of Iran’s current governance and criticizes the concentration of power and authority. His remarks highlight the reliance of the Islamic Republic on oppressive measures rather than reform and dialogue.
However, Nasiri’s discourse takes a sudden turn when confronted about his stance on the regime’s reformability. He distances himself from the PMOI and terrorism, attempting to discredit the opposition movement. This maneuver aligns with Supreme Leader Khamenei’s directives, urging influencers to use any means necessary to promote the elections while maintaining the regime’s narrative against the PMOI.
This strategy is further evidenced in another televised debate. A participant mentioned the stringent criteria for election candidates, indicating disqualification for mere association with a PMOI member. This statement underscores the regime’s effort to distance itself from the opposition while maintaining a façade of democratic process.
In conclusion, the Iranian regime, trapped by its own actions, is desperately trying to project a democratic image to counteract a potential boycott. Simultaneously, it aims to discredit and isolate its primary opposition, the PMOI. However, years of tyranny and corruption have eroded public trust. The regime’s tactics may only serve to strengthen the resolve of Iranians and their resistance movement, seeking to overthrow a system they no longer believe in.
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
