Iran's Election Sees Record Low Turnout
Iran's parliamentary elections saw a record low turnout of just over 40% [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syntb-kF4C8]—the lowest since the 1979 revolution. The reformist bloc's boycott played a major role [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1pLU_EeM6I], with analysts suggesting the low turnout is a warning sign for the regime [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKd81V8yWOs]. Hardliners are still expected to consolidate control, but the crisis could foreshadow policy volatility [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKd81V8yWOs].
The parliamentary elections also coincided with elections for the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body that selects Iran's Supreme Leader. A survey conducted just before the election indicated that approximately 74% of Iranians did not want to participate in the parliamentary elections, and 75% had no intention of participating in the Assembly of Experts election. The record low turnout reflects growing discontent with Iran's political system and the limited choices presented to voters. Many reformist parties boycotted the election after the Guardian Council, a body of jurists, disqualified many candidates. This council vets all candidates for elected office to ensure their loyalty to the Islamic Republic. Historically, voter turnout in Iranian elections has been much higher. In 1997, presidential elections saw a turnout of over 80%. Even as recently as 2009, turnout was nearly 85%. The previous record low was 42.57% in the 2020 parliamentary elections. The results of the election are expected to further consolidate the power of hardline conservatives in the Majlis (parliament). Factionalism is a key feature of Iranian politics, with conservatives, reformists, and pragmatists vying for influence. The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, holds significant power over these groups.
