Iranian regime fails test of parliamentary elections

Eslam Mohamed

The Iranian regime failed the test of parliamentary elections held on Friday, February 21. Although the results favored candidates supported by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, this election came with other calculations.

In light of the sharp decline in the popularity of the mullah regime prior to the parliamentary elections and the failure of officials to win citizens’ content, the Guardian Council excluded more than half of the candidates – more than 7,000 – because of their political leanings.

Candidates were not excluded for demanding the overthrow of the regime or the like, but rather because they have reformist tendencies, meaning that they are part of the government-dominating side represented by President Hassan Rouhani, who, despite being opposed to some views of the hardliners, remains one of the important components in the structure of the regime.

After government propaganda failed to influence citizens who boycotted the Shura Council and Assembly of Experts elections that took place on the same day, Tehran’s leaders tried to avoid the embarrassment that the boycott caused by obscuring participation rates.

The, as the result was known in advance after the reformists and independents were excluded, allowing for the formation of a unified list of hardliners, but the participation rate in this election is important, as it was in effect a popular referendum on the regime itself. Hence, government agencies focused on the need of people going out to vote, considering it a national duty. Rather, Ayatollah Khamenei even exaggerated and considered it a sacred duty, individual obligation, and jihad for the sake of God.

However, these hardline fatwas did not prevent the state from using contradictory messages. For example, signs used to glorify the ancient, pre-Islamic Achaemenid Empire were used, representing the roots of the current Persian state, which contradicts the discourse of religious leaders who have long considered these kings tyrants.

Rather, the candidates resorted to cheap election tricks, such as distributing food and sweets to the poor and disadvantaged, in order to win votes through bribery, which clerics close to the regime have permitted.

According to Fars news agency, the voting rate reached about 40% in all parts of the country, although this percentage is doubtful and considered to be exaggerated. The rate has not been less than 50% in the history of the Iranian Republic, so the low rate in this election reflects the depth of the tragedy, as it indicates that the regime’s popularity is fading.

The conservative victory in this election was considered lackluster in light of thousands of requests for reformists being refused and after extending the voting five times in a row in order to allow the largest possible number of voters to participate, who were gathered by the Basij militia of the Revolutionary Guards. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have yet to officially announce the turnout rate out of fear of the truth.

The results of the election will determine the maneuverability that Rouhani will enjoy until the end of his term next year, as the formation of the new Shura Council could affect the president’s foreign policy of openness, which has proved to be a failure in the shadow of a reformist-dominated parliament.