Reactions to the Low Turnout of People in the Government Voting of the Islamic Republic

Despite the extensive efforts and propaganda of the Islamic Republic to bring people to the polls for the government elections to determine the successor of Ebrahim Raisi, reports from users on social media and images sent from Iran indicate a low turnout of Iranians. On July 8, Prince Reza Pahlavi wrote in a social media post: "All evidence, field reports, and numerous images from empty polling stations across the country indicate a decisive 'no' from the Iranian people to the farce of the regime's elections. This widespread boycott, which even supporters and affiliates of the Islamic Republic have acknowledged, demonstrates your firm will to move beyond this illegitimate and anti-Iranian regime." He also added: "I salute all of you inside the country who, despite deceptive propaganda and organized pressures, stayed at home and did not stain your hands with cooperation with this tyrannical regime. I also thank you compatriots abroad who, with your protest presence in front of the centers holding this ridiculous circus, echoed the great 'no' of the nation to this demonic regime." Hussein Ronaghi, a political activist and former prisoner of the Islamic Republic, also wrote: "The widespread boycott and lack of participation in the ridiculous and fake elections of the Islamic Republic indicate the opposition, dissatisfaction, and protest of the general Iranian public against the current situation and a big 'no' to the entirety of the 'Islamic Republic' government that has occupied Iran for decades and kept the people in captivity." He noted: "The united 'no' and the cohesive yet silent movement of the people showed who holds the 'power.' The people who intelligently make silent choices will create surprises not only today but also in the future that no loudspeaker can predict. This silent vote was not a lack of choice; it was a powerful selection." Kianoush Sanjari, a political and media activist, also described his observations of the emptiness of polling stations on Friday in Tehran: "I am unaware of the atmosphere in other cities, but I can say with certainty that the vast majority of people in Tehran ignored the regime's presidential appointments and did not participate in them." He added: "All domestic media in Iran were at the service of heating up the election. However, the majority of the people do not share their sentiments. Supporters of the Islamic Republic in both factions are now in a mere minority." Mehdi Yarahee, a protesting singer who was detained for a while for supporting the people during the protests of 2022, reacted to the government elections on July 8 with a short message using the hashtag Mahsa Amini: "To the cursed receivers of mothers." Many protesters, families of the bereaved, and political and civil activists had previously announced that they would not participate in the "government appointments" and "election circus." Political prisoners in Evin prison also did not participate in this voting. Results from the polling institute 'Gomaan' indicate that 65% of eligible voters did not participate in this election. The account of the Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the IRGC, wrote early on Saturday, July 9, on social media 'X': "The presidential elections are 'very likely' to go to a second round." According to this report, "Masoud Pezeshkian and Saeed Jalili will go to the second round, and the second round of elections will be held on July 15." User reactions to the government elections: "There is a clear border between us and the dictator." Protests against voters in the government elections of the Islamic Republic in London. A car attack on one of the opponents of the Islamic Republic in America; the injured person was taken to the hospital. Protests by Iranians in several countries; condemnation of the government's 'election circus.' Empty and deserted polling stations in the government elections; political prisoners did not participate in the 'election show.'