Iranians voted on Friday in a runoff election for the remaining seats in the country’s parliament after hard-line politicians dominated March balloting. People in 22 constituencies across the country will elect 45 representatives from a pool of 90 candidates, 15 of whom are considered moderate. In the capital, Tehran, 16 representatives will be chosen from 32 candidates, all hard-liners. Final results are expected on Monday, though counts in smaller constituencies are likely before that.
Iran’s parliament plays a secondary role in governing the country. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has the final say in all important state matters. State TV showed Khamenei voting on Friday immediately after the polls opened. He urged people to vote and said the runoff election was as important as the main one.
In the March election, hard-liners won 200 out of 245 seats, with more moderate candidates taking the other 45. A total of 25 million ballots were cast, for a turnout of just under 41 percent. The previous lowest turnout was 42 percent in the 2020 parliamentary election. Politicians calling for change in the country’s government, known broadly as reformists, were generally barred from running in the election. Those calling for radical reforms or for abandoning Iran’s theocratic system were also banned or did not bother to register as candidates.
The runoff election is crucial for determining the final composition of Iran’s parliament. With hard-liners already holding a significant majority from the initial round of voting, the remaining seats will further solidify their influence in the legislative body. This outcome could have implications for future policies and decisions made by the government.
The turnout in Iranian elections has been a topic of discussion and concern in recent years. With voter participation hovering around 40-50%, there are questions about the legitimacy and representativeness of the elected officials. The exclusion of certain political groups and individuals from running further complicates the democratic process in Iran.
Despite these challenges, Iranians continue to participate in elections as a way to have a voice in their government. The runoff election serves as an opportunity for voters to make their preferences known and shape the direction of their country. While the ultimate power still lies with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the parliament does have some influence in shaping policies and legislation.
As the final results of the runoff election are awaited, Iranians and the international community will be watching closely to see how the balance of power shifts within the parliament. The outcome will have implications for Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, as well as its relationship with other countries.
In conclusion, the runoff election in Iran is a significant event that will determine the final composition of the country’s parliament. With hard-liners already holding a majority, the remaining seats will further solidify their influence. Despite challenges to the democratic process, Iranians continue to participate in elections as a way to have a say in their government. The outcome of this election will have far-reaching implications for Iran’s future direction and its relationships with other nations.