A Senior IRGC Official Declares That the 'Outcome of the Elections' Should Not 'Weaken the Resistance Front'

As the Islamic Republic's anticipated elections to determine the successor to Ebrahim Raisi approach, the IRGC's Deputy Coordinator outlined the general framework of the elections, stating that 'the outcome of the elections should not weaken the resistance front.' The website 'Didban Iran' reported that during an explanatory meeting on 'Election Issues,' Yadollah Javani, the political deputy of the IRGC, mentioned that 'the enemies hope that the Islamic system will face challenges from within during the upcoming elections.' This military official also acknowledged the current problems in the country, stating that part of society is under economic pressure in certain areas. Despite these challenges, this IRGC commander claimed that 'the future ahead is very promising.' Javani also indicated that 'the enemy seeks to create problems for the resistance front through the outcome of the elections in Iran,' noting that 'there have been governments whose foreign policy perspectives were not aligned, and in response to enemy efforts, a jihad of explanation must be conducted.' According to this IRGC commander, when 'the enemy sees a low presence of the people, it is tempted to create challenges and can portray officials in both the parliament and the government as lacking popular support.' These remarks from the IRGC commander and the guidelines set by the IRGC for the upcoming elections come after Ramadan Sharif, the IRGC spokesman, claimed on June 23 that 'the IRGC will not act in favor of or against anyone.' Sharif asserted that 'all those who received approval from the Guardian Council to participate in the elections are respected by the IRGC.' On the other hand, a newspaper affiliated with the IRGC published on June 21 the names of six candidates 'considered by the Guardian Council' to replace Ebrahim Raisi, stating that 'the outcome of the ballot box on July 8, with a participation of about 60%, and the victory of any of the candidates means the victory of the Islamic Republic of Iran.' The upcoming elections have been described by users and political observers with terms such as 'a show of force,' 'an electoral circus,' 'stand-up comedy,' and 'a farcical display.' The 14th presidential election will be held on July 8, following the premature death of Ebrahim Raisi. Given the extensive powers of Ali Khamenei as the 'Supreme Leader' within the structure of the Islamic Republic, the 'President' has little power to reform or change processes and policies in Iran and is completely surrounded by institutions controlled by the 'Leader' of the Islamic Republic. Elections within the Islamic Republic are also seen as 'theatrical,' and according to Ali Khamenei, government rallies and the presence of some people at the funerals of officials are considered a 'referendum' of support for the regime.