Legislative in Iran: after a prolonged vote, voters who are not very mobilized

A woman voter in Tehran during the Iranian legislative elections on February 21, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee / WANA

Text by: RFI Follow

The Iranians were called this Friday to elect their deputies. But the participation rate already looks very low, with a possible victory in force for the Conservatives.

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The poll was officially closed at midnight local time (8:30 p.m. GMT), after no less than five successive extensions in order to allow a maximum of voters to accomplish what the supreme guide, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, qualified before the election of duty not only civic, but also " religious ".

Overall, the polling stations remained almost empty throughout the day; they filled up after dark. Many residents of Tehran have also said that they would wait until the last moment to decide to vote or boycott a system they reject, reports our special envoy to Tehran, Oriane Verdier . A good part of the Iranians still seem to have stayed at home since the Fars agency, close to the conservatives, announced a participation rate at 6 p.m. (2.30 p.m. GMT) of 40%.

Very strong abstention in Tehran

Abstention is even stronger in Tehran. Residents of the capital do not feel that MPs have the power to change much in their daily lives. In the provinces, candidates are more close to voters and therefore more apt to seduce. The final abstention rate should be known this Saturday.

It is a real message sent by the people who fear to protest aloud against the politicians. The final results of these legislative elections are expected for Sunday. If, as expected, the Conservatives win a large majority in the Majlis, they will approach the presidential election next year with confidence.

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